Why Do Cats Purr When You’re Not Touching Them?
Have you ever noticed your cat purring for no apparent reason? You walk into the room and find them lounging on the couch, contentedly rumbling away without even a pat on the head from you. This soft, rhythmic vocalization seems to be their way of expressing comfort and contentment, but why do cats purr without any prompting or physical touch? In this article, we’ll explore some of the leading theories behind this unique feline behavior and what your cat may be trying to tell you when the purrs start up spontaneously.
Theories on Purring
There are several main theories as to why cats purr:
Communication – Some experts believe purring is a means of communication between cats, signaling contentment and friendliness. Kittens also purr to their mother when nursing or looking for food.[1]
Healing – There is evidence that the frequency of a cat’s purr promotes tissue regeneration and bone growth, so purring may be a self-healing mechanism for cats when injured or ill.[2]
Self-soothing – Many think purring helps cats relieve stress and anxiety by calming their nerves. The rhythmic vibrations may produce endorphins that make the cat feel relaxed and content.[3]
Nursing – When nursing, a mother cat’s purr helps stimulate milk production and guides kittens to the source. Kittens purr in return to show they are suckling properly.[1]
Communication
One primary theory is that cats purr as a means of communication, both with other cats and humans. Purring can serve different communicative functions depending on the context and situation.
For example, mother cats may purr as a way to communicate with their kittens, likely as a method to soothe or comfort them. Kittens purr frequently when nursing or seeking comfort from their mother (Source).
Adult cats may also purr during social grooming or other interactions as a friendly greeting or bonding behavior. The rhythmic vibrationPATTERN of purring is thought to promote social cohesion and signal positive intent (Source).
When cats purr around humans, it can indicate contentment, affection and trust. Cats appear to understand that humans are comforted by purring, and may purr to solicit food, attention or care from their human companions.
In stressful situations like vet visits, purring may also communicate reassurance and trust between the cat and handler. However purring in distressing contexts could alternatively signal anxiety or need for comfort.
Overall, context plays a key role in deciphering the communicative meaning behind a cat’s unique purr. It serves as an important social signal for bonding and conveying a variety of messages between cats and humans.
Healing
There is a theory that cat purring has healing properties. Some research suggests that the low-frequency vibrations produced by purring may stimulate bone growth and provide pain relief [1]. The 25-50 Hz frequency of purring falls within the optimal range of vibrational frequencies shown to promote bone strength and growth in studies on humans [2]. There is also evidence that exposure to these purr frequencies may have an analgesic effect, reducing pain sensitivity [3].
Some veterinarians and researchers speculate that when cats purr near areas of injury or inflammation, the vibrations may provide a therapeutic effect by stimulating healing and relieving pain. However, more scientific research is still needed to determine the mechanisms behind these potential healing effects.
Self-Comfort
One common theory is that cats purr as a way to self-soothe or comfort themselves during times of stress. Cats have been observed purring in situations like visits to the vet, car rides, or when recovering from injuries or illness. The rhythmic vibrations of purring may have a calming effect that helps cats regulate their mood and relieve anxiety, pain or fear.
As the article from Wired mentions, “More likely, though, purring is simply soothing, or self-soothing, as cats may also purr in stressful situations. In that case, purring would be a sort of self-medication—a way to calm its nerves.” https://www.wired.com/2015/05/why-do-cats-purr/
The Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital blog also notes: “In fact, a lot of specialists concur that cats use purring as a sort of self-soothing. Cats may soothe themselves and lessen their stress by purring.” https://oceanavevethosp.com/blog/the-therapeutic-benefits-of-a-cats-putt/
By purring during stressful events, cats are essentially comforting themselves through vibration and sound. The act of purring helps regulate their mood and mitigate negative emotions.
Nursing
One theory suggests that purring may help nursing kittens. Mother cats often purr while nursing their kittens. The vibration from purring may aid milk release and flow for the kittens (Source). When cats purr, their chest and laryngeal muscles rapidly contract and relax 25-150 times per second. This vibration is thought to stimulate the muscles around the mammary glands, helping milk flow more easily for nursing (Source). So a nursing mother’s purring may make it easier for her kittens to nurse by facilitating milk release.
Individual Differences
Note that purring tendencies differ between cats. Some cats are very vocal and purr frequently, while others rarely make a peep. For example, Siamese cats are known to be especially chatty and purr whenever you pay attention to them. In contrast, Persian cats tend to be more reserved and only purr when content or sitting on your lap.
There are also individual differences within a breed. One Siamese may purr constantly while another seldom purrs. Experts believe unique anatomy like the shape of the cat’s throat may account for some of these variations.
When to Seek Help
While purring is a normal behavior for cats, changes in your cat’s purr or instances where your cat stops purring altogether can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue that requires veterinary attention. Some conditions that can affect purring include:
Respiratory conditions like inflammation of the epiglottis, tracheal and laryngeal cancer can change the sound or frequency of your cat’s purr.
Weight changes, as pointed out by this Quora discussion, may impact the depth of your cat’s purr.
Hyperthyroidism is another condition that could alter your cat’s purr.
If you notice any significant changes in your cat’s purring behavior, it’s a good idea to schedule a veterinary visit to rule out potential medical issues. Sudden changes in purring habits, especially a complete lack of purring, warrant a trip to the vet. Your vet can examine your cat to determine if an illness or condition is causing the change in vocalizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about cats purring without being petted:
Why is my cat purring even though I’m not petting them?
Cats often purr when they’re content and happy, even if they’re not actively being petted. Purring doesn’t always mean your cat wants more pets. As we discussed earlier, cats may purr as a comforting mechanism or to communicate with you. If your cat is purring while relaxing near you, they’re probably just expressing their happiness in your company. [1]
Is constant purring in cats normal?
It’s quite common for cats to purr frequently throughout the day, even without direct interaction. Some cats simply purr more than others as part of their unique personality. Constant purring is generally normal and a sign your cat feels safe and content. However, if the purring is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, changes in appetite, or vomiting, consult your vet to rule out potential illnesses.
Why does my cat purr when I walk in the room?
When cats purr as soon as we enter the room, it’s likely a sign they’re happy to see us. Remember, purring can signal a cat’s contentment and does not always mean they want petting or attention. Your cat purrs upon seeing you because they feel safe and relaxed in your presence. The purr is their way of communicating their affection. [2]
Should I be concerned if my cat purrs a lot?
Frequent purring is generally nothing to worry about. In fact, an excessively purring cat probably indicates a cat who feels very safe, happy, and bonded with their human companions. However, if the purring occurs alongside other odd behaviors or physical symptoms, consult your vet to be safe. But on its own, a chatty, purring kitty is usually a sign of great health and contentment!
Conclusion
In summary, cats purr for a variety of reasons. Purring can be a means of communication between cats, signaling contentment and friendliness. It may also have innate healing properties, helping cats to self-soothe or facilitating bone growth during recovery from injury. For nursing mother cats, purring helps kittens bond with them. While all cats purr, some individuals purr more frequently than others based on personality. Persistent purring without stimulation could indicate a medical issue in rare cases, so cat owners should remain observant.
The key takeaway is that purring is a natural feline behavior reflecting positive emotional states. As cats purr in different contexts, owners can view it as a general sign of health, comfort and happiness in their pet. Understanding the motivations behind this unique vocalization can help strengthen the bond between cats and their caregivers.