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But
why do cats purr? Biologist’s pet owners and even
philosophers have debated this for centuries. Still, the
exact mechanics and meaning of a cat's purr have
remained shrouded in mystery.
The
most common theory about cat purring is that it's
produced by the vibration of "false vocal
chords," or the movement of blood in the cat's
chest. As to why the feline species acquired the habit
of purring, the reasons probably have a lot to do with
mother cat-kitten communications. Biologists believe
that kittens rely on the vibrations of their mother's
purr to locate her during nursing. In turn, kittens purr
themselves to reassure their mother that they are doing
well.
As
adults, cats often purr when they are getting fed or
brushed, or other good things are happening to them.
However, some pet owners make the mistake of assuming
that if their cat is purring, she must be happy and
healthy.
Unfortunately,
this is not always the case, since cats have been known
to purr even when things are far from ideal. A cat who
is cornered by an attacker will sometimes purr, as will
a feline suffering from a terminal illness. Some experts
theorize that cats purr in these situations to reduce
their own level of anxiety.
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