If you own a pet cat, you have probably heard it purring at sometime or the other. Cats can purr due to a variety of reasons. While some cats produce a "purr-like" vocalization when they are happy or content, some others may use it as a means of communication. According to some vets, purring was originally used by mother cats to communicate with its kitten and know that everything was well with the little ones. Since a kitten can purr by the second day of its life, it can use the sound to call its mother or show that it’s getting well fed. Though kittens can’t meow and get nursed at the same time, they can easily use the purring sound instead. It’s often see that the mother cat replies back to the purring of its kittens, which is most likely to reassure them.

Though the reason why cats purr can’t be told with surety, there are many factors that seem to encourage cats into purring. Many cats purr as a sign of their pleasure or contentment. A few of the feline creatures may even purr when they find something delicious to eat or during their grooming sessions. However, it’s not true to assume that cats always purr when they are happy. You can find them purring even during some stressful moments like when they are recuperating from an injury or have been taken to a vet. Purring is also common in cats that are experiencing pain, are on the verge of death, or are afraid and distressed. Perhaps the inability to solve the riddle of how to decipher the exact feeling behind a cat’s purr has led researchers into investigating how a purr is produced.

According to scientists, irregular signaling of the diaphragmatic and laryngeal muscles in cats causes the purr. Cats purr during both inhalation and exhalation, and usually maintain a consistent pattern and frequency that ranges between 25 and 150 Hertz. What’s amazing is that sound frequencies belonging to this range have been found to promote healing and improve bone density. Thus, a cat may even use purring for self healing purposes. It’s not unusual to find hospitals and clinics for the elderly and retired people using cat purr to cure high blood pressure and stress. So, the next time when you become sick or feel low, spend some quality time with your pet cat. You pet cat’s purr is sure to do wonders for your health and uplift your mood.

Whatever be the reason behind cats purr, one thing is for sure – cats purr only when they want to. Almost all cat owners love their cats’ soft purr and feel more peaceful and calmer when these bundles of warm reassuring fur settle on their laps. So, learn to decode what your cat is conveying through its purring and you may unearth a whole new world of enjoyment where you and your feline friend bond well. So, start watching instances when your cat purrs and notice its reaction to different situations, all of which will help you understand your cat better.