Key takeaways
- Most of the time, purring means the cat is calm and content.
- Cats also purr when they're in pain, scared or sick.
- To understand a purr, look at the situation and the rest of the body.
How cats purr
Purring happens in the larynx. The muscles around the vocal cords tighten and relax very quickly, about 25 to 150 times per second, as the cat breathes. That's why cats can purr while inhaling and exhaling, nonstop, for a long time. It's such a distinctive sound that some wild cats, like cheetahs, purr too.
From the first days of life
Kittens start purring a few days after birth, while nursing. Since they're born blind and deaf, the mother's purr helps them find her, and the kittens' purring tells her everything is fine. That origin explains why purring is so closely linked to wellbeing and closeness.
The most common meanings
- I'm comfortable: the cat is relaxed, eyes half-closed, on your lap or in its bed. This is the classic purr.
- I want something: many cats use a special purr with a high-pitched cry mixed in when asking for food. One study found people perceive it as more urgent, similar to a baby's cry.
- Hello, stay close: when greeting you, rubbing against you or being petted.
- I'm calming myself: cats also purr in stressful situations, like at the vet, to soothe themselves.
- Something hurts: some sick, injured or laboring cats purr a lot. That's why a purring cat isn't always fine.
Does purring heal?
There's a popular idea that purring vibrations help heal bones and tissue. It's true that the purr's frequency falls in a range that other studies have linked to stimulating bone and tissue, and some researchers think it might help cats recover. But it hasn't been proven. What we do know is that many people find a purring cat relaxing.
How to tell what your cat's purr means
Look at the situation and the whole body. A cat purring with a loose body, calm tail and half-closed eyes is content. One purring while hiding, hunched up, not eating or breathing fast may be unwell. Learn to read its ears, tail and eyes with our What is my pet telling me? tool.
When to see the vet
Make an appointment if your cat purrs much more than usual and is also lethargic, stops eating, hides, breathes fast or with its mouth open, or shows any other change in behavior. Cats are experts at hiding pain, and purring can be one of the few clues.
Other sounds cats make
Besides purring, cats use many other sounds. The meow is mainly for talking to people. The trill or chirp, a short high sound, is usually a friendly greeting. Chattering teeth appear when they see a bird through the window and can't reach it. Hissing and growling are clear signs of fear or anger: time to give space. And loud, repeated meowing at night, especially in older cats, deserves a vet visit.
Other signs of a happy cat
Purring often comes with kneading, slow blinks, rubbing against you and walking with the tail up. To learn more, read Why does my cat knead? and take the Is it happy? Does it love me? quiz. And remember daily play is one of the best ways to keep your cat happy: try our cat game.
Frequently asked questions
Why don't some cats purr? Some purr so quietly you can barely hear it. Others simply purr less. It doesn't mean they're unhappy.
Do cats purr in their sleep? Sometimes, especially while drifting off or in light sleep.
Why does it purr and then bite me? It may be overstimulated by petting. Watch the tail: if it starts flicking quickly, stop.
This article is for information only and does not replace a visit to your vet.
Was it helpful? Tell us
Share your opinion, an idea or a bug you spotted. Your message reaches us by email and is not published on the site.