If you love Ragdolls you have come to the right place!
Purring
Purring is a familiar and beautiful sound that we humans love to hear our cats make. However, why do they do it? In addition, how do they do it?
Purring is thought to be a voluntary and instinctive behaviour, and research suggests that cats purr for various reasons depending on mood and general well-being.
Cats make the purr by using their larynx and diaphragm muscles as they inhale and exhale, producing a vibration through their nose. It is still a mystery as to how their central nervous system controls these muscle contractions.
In the early 19th century, taxonomists thought cats could either purr or roar, they split the family Felidae along the lines of ‘purrers’ (subfamily Felinae) and ‘roarers’ (subfamily Pantherinae).
Now beliefs have changed, and experts think most cats can purr with a few exceptions, including lion, leopard, jaguar, tiger, snow leopard, and clouded leopard (Pantherines.)
Purring is a form of communication essentially to their nearest and dearest. Low-frequency vocalisations in mammals are associated with positive social situations such as nursing, grooming, relaxation, and friendliness.
The most apparent purring scenario is the kitten-mother connection. Kittens can purr when they are only a few days old. It is probably a way to let their mothers know where they are or that they are okay. Purring also helps a kitten bond with its mother. Mummy cats use it like a lullaby (which is so sweet!)
Sadly, cats also purr when they are hurt and in pain as a self-soothing mechanism, like a child who sucks their thumb. So we should not take for granted that cats are always happy when they are purring.
Interestingly new research suggests that purring helps cats get better faster. The low frequency of purrs leads to related vibrations within their body that can:
Heal bones, and wounds
Build muscle and repair tendons
Ease breathing
Lessen pain and swelling
So there you have it! All you ever needed to know about purring. Cats are so fascinating.
