Why do cats purr?
For grown-ups: the science
Cats purr when tiny throat muscles move quickly and make the air they breathe sound rumbly.
Purring is generated by a neural oscillator in the brain that drives rhythmic contractions of laryngeal muscles, roughly 10–30 times per second. These contractions narrow and widen the glottis, modulating airflow during both inhalation and exhalation. Purring occurs in relaxed social settings and also with stress, injury, and parturition, so it is considered multifunctional and may have a self-soothing role. Some studies link similar vibration frequencies with bone and soft-tissue repair, but a direct healing benefit from purring in cats is not established.
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Transcript
A cat is curled up on a sunny rug, making a soft rumble. Where does that gentle cat sound come from?
In a cat's throat is a voice box. Its tiny muscles twitch in a quick, steady beat, guided by signals from the brain.
The twitching makes a small opening in the throat narrow and widen. Air moves through it as the cat breathes in and out, making the purr sound.
Cats purr at rest and during hard times, like when they are hurt or having kittens. It may help them settle, and scientists are studying if it also helps healing.
So a purr begins with quick throat-muscle beats and breathing air. Cats may use it in more than one kind of moment.