Cats are among the favourite pets of human beings and they keep winning our hearts with their adorable and unmatchable gestures, and among many such things, cats often purr. While purring is often considered a sign of content and relaxed feline, it goes beyond being just a symbol of happiness. Research has discovered that the soft, rhythmic hum of a cat's purr may hold some unique properties that go beyond imagination for the feline and those around it.
Surprisingly, far from being just an adorable trait, a cat’s purr works on frequencies that can stimulate healing, reduce pain, and even alleviate stress. But why do cats actually purr, and how does it contribute to their well-being and ours?
Cats purr at frequencies ranging between 25 and 150 Hertz which is a range that has been scientifically proven to promote healing. The primary reason cats purr is indeed to communicate happiness, just like a content cat being petted or basking on a sunny day. However, purring is also a coping mechanism when cats are in pain, stressed, or even facing life-threatening situations. This has led researchers to believe that purring might double as a self-healing tool for cats.
What do studies suggest?
As per a report by BBC, “It’s been speculated for decades that purring was a form of communication. In the early 2000s, we hypothesised that purring has other purposes besides this. Work by Elizabeth von Muggenthaler, Karen Overall, and others has led to a better understanding of the purpose of the purr. It’s likely that purring has communication, appeasement, and healing properties,” says Weitzman, a veterinarian and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society.
Studies published in The journal of the Acoustical Society of America, suggest that the vibration frequencies of a cat’s purr have therapeutic benefits. For the feline itself, purring is believed to increase bone growth and repair. The specific frequencies emitted can increase the density of their bones, which may explain why cats are so resilient to injuries despite their nimble and daring escapes.
Beyond their own health, cats’ purring has been found to benefit humans as well. The vibrations can help reduce stress and lower blood pressure in people, and give a calming effect that is similar to meditation or deep breathing exercises. Apart from this, these frequencies are thought to promote pain relief and healing, helping in the repair of soft tissues and possibly reducing the symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
Cats always do not purr when they are happy
Interestingly, cats have also been observed to purr in non-ideal situations, such as during veterinary visits or when recovering from injury. This suggests that the act of purring may serve as a form of self-soothing, which can also be a mechanism to comfort themselves during stressful or painful situations.
This is happy news for cat lovers
For cat lovers, this means that spending time with a purring feline isn’t just emotionally benefitting, it may also have measurable health benefits. Whether cuddling with a cat after a long day or just enjoying their happy company, the sound of their gentle purring can give both physical and mental solace.
