Introduction
Cats are well-known for their soothing, rhythmic purr. While cat owners may enjoy this familiar sound, many wonder about the science behind it. Specifically, some have questioned if the frequencies of cat purrs have healing properties. This article will provide an overview of purring in cats. It will examine the frequencies of these purrs and compare them to theorized healing frequencies. The potential physical and emotional effects of exposure to cat purrs will also be explored. Finally, other scientific explanations for the purpose of purring will be discussed.
What is a Cat Purr?
A cat’s purr is a low, vibrating, rhythmic vocalization that cats make by contracting the vocal folds in their larynx and forcing air through them (Why and how do cats purr?, 2022). Purring occurs during inhalation and exhalation as cats cycle air through their vocal cords (How do cats purr? New finding challenges long-held …, 2023). This sets up a repetitive vibration that produces the characteristic purring sound.
Purring is one of the most distinctive vocalizations in cats. It is a uniquely feline behavior that serves several purposes, including communicating contentment, soothing kittens, and even promoting healing.
Purring Frequencies
Cats purr within a frequency range of 25 to 150 Hertz (Hz) (Source 1). This range of frequencies is generated when cats contract their laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles simultaneously to produce the distinctive purring vibration (Source 2). The average house cat purrs at 25-50 Hz, while larger wild cats like pumas purr at around 50 Hz on average. Kittens begin purring at around 1 week old and purr frequently when nursing and in close contact with their mother. This wide range of purring frequencies contains healing vibrations that provide various health and emotional benefits for both cats and humans.
Healing Frequencies
Healing frequencies refer to specific sound frequencies that have been shown to have beneficial effects on the mind and body. There are several well-known healing frequencies, including the solfeggio frequencies and the Schumann resonance frequency.
The solfeggio frequencies range from 174 Hz to 963 Hz. Each of these frequencies has been associated with potential healing properties. For example, 174 Hz is known as a natural anesthetic and is said to reduce pain and promote physical healing, while 285 Hz is linked with healing wounds and tissue repairs. Overall, the solfeggio frequencies are believed to promote whole-body healing through vibrational resonance.
The Schumann resonance frequency occurs naturally due to electromagnetic waves between the Earth’s surface and the ionosphere. This baseline frequency of 7.83 Hz is said to promote harmony, increase focus, and boost overall wellbeing. Much like the solfeggio frequencies, the Schumann resonance works by bringing the body into alignment through vibrational energy.
In general, healing frequencies are thought to facilitate healing by rebalancing the bioelectric functioning of the body. The vibrations interact with the body’s cells, tissues, and energetic fields to induce relaxation, release tension, realign energy flows, and support the body’s natural self-healing abilities. However, more research is still needed to fully validate the effects of various healing frequencies on human health.
Cat Purr Frequencies Align with Healing Frequencies
Research has shown that the most prominent frequencies in a cat’s purr fall within a range of 25 to 50 Hz (The felid purr: A healing mechanism?, 2001). Interestingly, these frequencies match those shown to have healing properties in humans. Specifically, frequencies between 25 to 50 Hz have been associated with increased bone density, pain relief, and wound healing (There’s Magic in a Cat’s Purr, 2019). The dominant frequencies in a cat’s soothing purr align precisely with the frequencies that can physically heal the human body. This remarkable match suggests the potential for a cat’s purr to impart its innate healing abilities.
Physical Effects of Cat Purrs
Several studies have shown that cat purrs can have positive physical effects, especially related to bone density and wound healing. The frequencies of cat purrs fall within 25-150 Hz, which overlaps with the range of 20-140 Hz that has been found to be therapeutic and healing for bones and joints (Scientific American). One study exposed human bone cells to sound frequencies within a cat’s purr range and found increased bone density and formation (Purrfect Post). Other research has shown that low-level vibrations, like those caused by a cat’s purr, can help heal skin wounds and reduce inflammation. The rhythmic vibrations may promote angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, and increase blood flow to wound sites (Chewy). Overall, there is evidence that a cat’s purring, through the sound frequencies and vibrations it produces, can provide physical therapeutic benefits especially related to bones and wound healing.
Emotional Effects of Cat Purrs
Cat purrs have been shown to provide emotional benefits to humans, specifically in reducing stress and anxiety. The frequencies of cat purrs fall between 25 and 150 Hz, which overlaps with frequencies that can improve bone density and promote healing (Eastshorevet). These frequencies may exert a calming effect on the nervous system, lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that interacting with a purring cat can significantly reduce anxiety and improve mood. The rhythm of a cat’s purr has a meditative quality that can induce relaxation. Petting or holding a purring cat has been shown to decrease symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia (AKC Reunite). The companionship of a cat coupled with the calming vibrations of its purr create a soothing environment that relieves stress.
Simply being in the presence of a purring cat may trigger the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone” associated with bonding. This produces a comforting effect that ameliorates anxiety. The reduction in stress provided by a cat’s purr can be profoundly therapeutic for many individuals suffering from anxiety and depression.
Other Explanations
While there is evidence that cat purring frequencies may have healing properties, some researchers have proposed alternative hypotheses for why cats purr:
Cats may purr during nursing as a means of communication with their mother and littermates (New Scientist). The purr vibration may act as a “solicitation call” to the mother cat.
Some scientists believe purring is a mechanism for cats to soothe or calm themselves, not others (WebMD). The rhythmic nature of purring may help regulate cats’ emotions and promote contentment.
There are also theories that purring is a low-energy mechanism for muscle and bone conditioning. The act of purring may provide physical stimulation needed for health and growth.
While cat purring clearly serves multiple functions, the frequencies involved may still provide therapeutic benefits for humans and other cats. More research is needed to fully understand this unique feline vocalization.
Conclusion
In summary, cat purrs are likely healing for both cats and humans due to the frequencies at which they vibrate. Cats purr within a range of 20-140 Hz, which overlaps with the frequencies of many bioelectrical and biomedical processes in the human body. Research has shown that frequencies in this range can provide physical benefits such as bone growth, pain relief, and wound healing. The vibrations and sound waves of a cat’s purr may also induce a calming effect, lowering stress, anxiety, and blood pressure in both cats and humans. While additional research is still needed, the available evidence indicates that a cat’s uniquely evolved purr has healing properties that positively affect their own health and wellbeing, as well as the people they come into contact with. The soothing, restorative nature of a cat purr explains why these sounds instill a sense of comfort and tranquility. When we bond with a purring cat, we also reap the healing benefits of their amazing innate abilities.
References
List sources for statistics and studies: