Decoding Cat Purring: Why Some Cats Purr and Others Don’t
Purring is an intriguing behavior observed in cats, much like how people have unique personality traits such as their smile or laughter. Some cats purr loudly, while others do so softly; some purr frequently, while others show this behavior sparingly.
Understanding Cat Purring
Purring is a personal and unique trait among cats, similar to how some humans smile more than others. Some cats purr loudly, making them heard from across the room, while others have a softer purr that can only be detected with close listening.
Case Studies: Mister and Petrie
Take, for example, my darling cats, Mister and Petrie. Mister purrs so loudly that his sound can be heard across the room, while Petrie’s purr is so quiet that you need to place your ear against her body to discern it. I have nine cats, and for three of them, the purr is faint or hard to hear – doing more of a tractor sound than a cat sound!
Health and Behavior
It’s important to note that purring can also indicate a cat’s health and emotional state. Cats that are not comfortable around someone or are experiencing illness might not purr. For instance, when we rescued a litter of kittens suffering from an upper respiratory infection and eye ulcers, they did not purr or meow for nearly two weeks. However, as they began to recover and trust us, they slowly started to purr and meow again.
Purring and Health
While it is usually a sign of contentment or happiness, domestic cats can also purr when they are in distress or experiencing fear. Pay attention to your cat's circumstances to understand the context of their purring.
Wild vs. Domestic Cats
Interestingly, not all cats can purr. Wild cats like cheetahs, cougars, and other smaller felines, both domesticated or wild, can purr. However, certain larger cats like lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars cannot purr. Instead, they can roar. This difference in purring and roaring ability is determined by a piece of cartilage in the cats' larynx. Cats with this cartilage are able to purr, while those without it can roar.
Individual Differences
Apart from species-specific differences, individual cats can vary greatly in their purring frequency and intensity. An older cat of mine used to purr loudly like a pigeon cooing. However, after the passing of his long-time brother, he has stopped purring. It is possible that all cats can still purr, but it depends on their emotional state whether they do or don't. I hope my old cat will start purring again, as it is beneficial for his health.
Like any pet owner, I encourage cat lovers to observe their pets closely and understand the nuances of their behavior to ensure their companions are healthy and happy. Whether your cat is a loud purrer or a quiet one, the occasional purring session is good for their well-being and can bring joy to your life.