Cats are interesting creatures. While we consider them to be our beloved pets, sometimes it feels like they don't see themselves in the same way. It is what makes being a cat owner so special and unique.
And while every cat is different, there are certain things that they all seem to do. One of those things is their purrs. Most cats have a purr feature that feels like an act of comfort, but what does their purr really mean.
We wanted to learn more about cats and their purring, so we asked the experts. In asking what our cat's purrs mean, Mieshelle Nagelschneider a cat behaviorist and host of the TV show My Cat From Hell, revealed more than just one style and meaning of purr.
So what all does this mean for Fluffy and his endless purring? What do those different purrs really mean?
What message is a cat conveying when they purr?
In trying to learn more about cats, we specifically asked the following question: What message is a cat conveying when they purr? And this is what we learned:
According to Mieshelle Nagelschneider, "Cats have a mini repertoire of purring messages that range from heartwarming to manipulative. The contentment purr: This is the classic sound of a cat lounging in your lap, kneading you like dough. This is feline for, 'Life’s good, don’t move.'
Nervous or injured purr: Cats also purr when they’re nervous, hurt, or even dying. Purring releases endorphins and promotes healing. Scientists also believe that low-frequency vibrations can potentially help with bone regeneration.
The solicitation purr: This purring sound comes with a higher pitch and is designed to trigger your nurturing instincts. It’s basically the cat equivalent of a baby’s cry, scientifically engineered to be irresistible. The purr is a modified purr—not a meow. It incorporates a high-frequency element within the usual low-frequency purring vibrations, creating a unique sound humans perceive as more “urgent” than a standard, contentment-based purr."
Considering Nagelschneider is a cat behaviorist and the founder of The Cat Behavior Clinic, it makes perfect sense that she would be able to explain the different types of purrs and what they actually mean. And it also makes sense that our cats would have different purrs that mean different things to them.
Perhaps that just leaves one big question, how do we know which purr we are getting from our furry friend?