HowDoWhy

This is a fun one because nobody REALLY knows except cats and they’re not tellin’! Scientists generally try to frame this question in the context of evolutionary imperative. The thinking is that everything an animal does is the direct result of improving its odds of survival or procreation. For example, a cat doesn’t play with a wounded mouse out of malice or for entertainment, it does so because this gives it the opportunity to further practice it’s pouncing and hunting skills (with a mostly captive practice toy). In fact most “play” activities in young animals are seen in this light - as practice or development that will improve their survival success or chances to get naughty with a critter of the opposite sex later in life. So how does purring benefit a cat, evolutionarily speaking?

What makes purring so tough to nail down is that, contrary to popular belief, cats don’t just purr when they’re happy. Working at a veterinary hospital years ago, I learned that cats also purr when they are in great pain (sometimes even as they’re dying). A mother cat or kittens will also purr when they are nursing. Some cats will purr while they eat. While the common belief that purring is an indicator of contentment prevails among laymen, it isn’t really valid when you factor in the other times a cat will purr (kitten teeth are sharp so I can’t imagine a nursing mother is all that content).

Among Kittenologists (ok, I made that up) a popular theory is that purring is an audible indicator of non-threatening status. I mean you no harm, please do me no harm - is the implied motivator to a purr. This makes sense in the context of a pain inspired purr but doesn’t fit quite as neatly with the affection-motivated purr. Still, it is the most valid theory proposed by science and can be applied (if stretched) to most circumstances.

Since scientists haven’t locked this one down entirely, I feel I’m at liberty to forward my own opinion which is this - Purring means more than one thing. It is an indicator of bonding. It is also an indicator of approval. It basically means “yes” but with a broader reach.

• Yes, those scratches behind the ears feel good. A little lower, please.
• Yes, tuna flavored Whiskas is exactly what I wanted for dinner tonight
• Yes, you are my babies and I will take care of you.
• Yes, you are my mommy and I feel safe with you.
• Yes, I am in pain and vulnerable but am also a friend so please do me no harm.

If only our pets could talk. For now, why cats purr is still a quandary with unproven answers applied. But any of us who own cats know that, mostly, it does exactly what it’s probably meant to do… it strengthens our bond with Felix, regardless what his actual motivator for purring may be.