Expert: Tina - 11/30/2008

Question
What is the mechanism that allows cats to purr?  Also, is purring a voluntary or involuntary response in cats?  I have noticed that cats sometimes purr when they are hurt as well as when content.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

David

Answer
HI David,

ACtually no one knows for sure how a cat purrs. One thing that you have probably notices is that cats can make the noise without any breath moving in or out, unlike a meow. THey can purr while drinking.

You are right that sometimes cats purr when they are very frightened or hurt - some studies seem to show that purring can actually encourage bone repair and healing. Or perhaps cats are simply trying to comfort themselves in pain.

Here are 2 interesting articles about cats purring

http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/catspurr.html

http://www.bksv.com/NewsEvents/BruelKjaerMagazine/OtherArticles/TheCatsPurrMyste...