Did you ever wonder why cats purr?
Out of the many species of Felines in the world there are only six who have the ability to purr; the Bobcat, Cheetah, Eurasian Lynx, Puma, Wild Cat, and of course the Domestic Cat or Pet Cat.
As pet sitters and animal lovers we are always excited for a cat to jump into our laps and have a great purring session. It shows they love us as much as we love them, but is there truth in that theory?
Mystery has always surround the purring of a cat. Even now there is no concrete answer as to why our pet cats purr. We like to believe that our cat only purrs when it is content. Even pet sitters feel that their charge is content and happy with the love they receiving when they hear purring. However our beloved pet cats have been witnessed purring during times of injury, pain, and just before death. So what does this mean?
As a kitten the purr is believed to be used as a communication and bonding mechanism between kitten and mom. As the kitten grows into adulthood, purring continues. “Dr. Elizabeth Von Muggenthaler has suggested that the purr, with its low frequency vibrations, is a “natural healing mechanism.” Purring may be linked to the strengthening and repairing of bones, relief of pain, and wound healing.”
For an owner and a pet sitter purring of the cats we love can be a continuance of the bond that was created between mother and kitten. It’s an appealing thought, one the most certainly has value. We may never know exactly why cats purr. What we do know is a feeling of love that comes over pet sitters and owners when a cats purr can be heard and felt radiating through its body as we further strengthen our bond with them.
Quote taken from:
loc.gov (Library of Congress)
