Why Do Cats Purr in Plymouth Meeting, PA?

Do you have a cat, or are you interested in cats? Have you ever been around a cat who purrs? Do you find yourself wondering why cats really do this, and what it means? If any of this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place!

Below, we’ll give you some information about why cats purr. You can use this knowledge to better bond with your own cat or understand the cats in your life, and you can recognize times when your cat is happy and content, too.

why do cats purr in plymouth meeting, pa

Comfort

The most common and widely recognized reason cats purr is because they feel comfortable. A cat who is comfortable is likely to curl up, get comfortable, and start purring in a short time. Cats may purr when they lay on their favorite blankets or when they get to spend time on the lap of their favorite human.

If your cat is purring while she’s sleeping or cuddling, this means she’s feeling comfortable and content. This is a sign your cat is a happy and well cared for pet.

Safety

Safety and security are other, similar reasons why a cat may purr. Cats may purr when they are in a situation that gives them a sense of security. If a cat purrs often when she’s laying in her favorite bed, this may be because she feels like she’s safe in her own private space within the family home.

Purring as a result of feelings of safety and security likely comes from the kitten and mother cat relationship. Kittens and mother cats purr at each other frequently, so cats learn to associate purring with security from an early age.

Begging for Something

Have you ever noticed your cat purring at you more often when it’s close to dinnertime? Cats purr when they want something, and especially when they’re trying to beg from their humans for food. If your cat is trying to convince you to feed her, give her a treat, or play with her, then she might start purring more and more to get your attention.

Cats learn how to do this because owners respond to their purring. If your cat purrs or chirps at you for a treat, you may react by answering verbally or—even better—by giving your cat the treat she wants. This teaches her to keep purring for your attention in the future.

cats purring in plymouth meeting, paCommunicating Affection to Other Cats

Cats who spend time with other cats they get along with will purr to show their affection to the other cat in question. If you have multiple cats and they spend time napping with each other or playing together, they’ll probably purr to show each other how they feel.

Cats also purr at each other to indicate they are not a threat. This is all part of cat communication, and it is normal for cats to purr at each other in a variety of situations.

Communicating Affection to Humans

Just like interacting with other cats, when cats interact with their favorite humans, they purr a lot as well. Cats purr when they are being petted by their human family members because the petting feels good and they want to communicate that to their humans, for example.

Cats also sometimes purr while they’re playing with human family members. This is partly because they are so content and happy playing, but it is also because they’re telling their humans that they aren’t a threat—just as they would with another cat. Cats tend to see humans as big fellow cats in this way.

Rarely: In Pain

Finally, some cats may purr when they’re in pain. This is very uncommon and is not the likely cause of purring in most situations, so there’s no reason to worry if your cat purrs a lot. However, if you know your cat is dealing with pain from a chronic or acute problem, you may recognize her purring from pain instead of from contentment.

Purring in pain occurs when a cat wants to self-soothe. Purring is comforting to cats, so purring while they are hurting helps cats feel better and makes it easier for them to focus on recovery as well.

cat purring in plymouth meeting

Cats Purr for Many Reasons

As you can see, purring is a perfectly normal cat behavior, and it’s something all cats do. If your cat loves to purr, there’s nothing wrong with this, and it just means she’s very happy and comfortable in her life with you. Many cat owners take purring as a compliment for this reason!

The next time you notice your cat purring, spend some time petting her and sitting with her. This may encourage her to purr even more, and you’ll both enjoy the extra chance you have to bond with each other, too.

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The Village Vets of Plymouth Meeting offers excellent service to clients in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. To learn more about us and how we can better serve you and your pet here in Plymouth Meeting, PA, click the button below.

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dog laying on floor

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About The Village Vets

The Village Vets is a network of three animal hospitals based in Atlanta, GA and the surrounding area. We offer honest, excellent service to our clients in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. To learn more about our locations and how we can better serve you and your pet, click the button below.