Purring is one of the most well-known and iconic sounds cats make, and it’s also one of the things that makes them so lovable. But how do cats purr, exactly?
We all know that cute little kitties purr when they’re happy. But have you ever wondered how they make that noise?
The answer is pretty simple. Cats purr by vibrating the muscles in their throats. This vibration produces a low-frequency sound that we humans can hear.
Interestingly, scientists believe that cats may purr not only when they’re happy but also when they’re injured or in pain.
It is thought that the vibrations created by purring help heal wounds and reduce swelling. So, the next time your kitty is purring away, give them an extra scratch behind the ears—it might just be helping them feel better.
What Does It Mean When a Cat Purrs?
A cat’s purr is one of the most comforting sounds in the world. But have you ever wondered what it means when your feline friend starts purring?
Most people think cats purr when they’re happy, but that’s not always the case. Cats can purr for various reasons, including stress or pain. But let’s take a closer look at this fascinating feline behavior.
Cats are natural predators, but they’re also small and vulnerable creatures. This means they’re constantly looking for danger, often making them feel nervous or stressed.
Interestingly, some experts believe that purring may be a way for cats to soothe themselves when they feel anxious. The low frequency of purr vibrations may have a calming effect on the cat’s nerves.
So, if your fur baby starts purring when you move to a new house or introduce a new pet into the family, it could be because they’re feeling a little bit stressed.
Of course, it’s also possible that your cat is just happy to see you and is trying to tell you that they love you!
How to Calm Down a Cat
Do you want to keep your cat feline fine? Check out these tips!
First things first, let’s get one thing straight—here, we’re not talking about some fancy-pants Persian. We’re talking about the real deal: streetwise felines that have been known to put the “cat” in “catastrophe.” So, if you’re trying to figure out how to calm down your naughty fur baby, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are a few tips:
- Use catnip
Catnip is like kitty crack: it’s highly addictive and can make even the most laid-back cat bonkers. But a little catnip can go a long way if you want to calm your cat down. Just give them a small amount, and they’ll be so relaxed that they’ll be purring in no time.
- Play with them
Cats are naturally curious creatures, and they love to play. So, when your cat is super agitated, try playing with them for a few minutes.
Use a toy they love, like a string or feather wand, and let them burn off some excess energy. Once they’ve had their fun, they’ll be much more likely to calm down.
- Give them a treat
Cats are notoriously food-motivated, so giving them a delicious treat can be a great way to calm them down. Make sure you don’t give them too much, though, or you’ll end up with an even more energetic cat on your hands.
- Pet them
Cats love being petted, and it can help calm them down. However, ensure you’re petting them the right way—most cats prefer gentle strokes from their head to their tail. They may get even more agitated if you start at the tail and work your way up.
- Pick them up
Sometimes, the best way to calm a cat down is to pick them up and hold them close. They may struggle initially, but eventually, they’ll relax and start purring. This is a great way to bond with your cat and make them feel safe and loved.
- Give them a catnip toy
Catnip is an herb that has a calming effect on cats. If you have a catnip toy, giving it to your cat can help settle them down. Just be prepared for them to get a bit more playful first—that’s just the nature of catnip.
- Play some soft music
Cats are susceptible to sound, so playing soft music can help calm them down. Classical music is often said to be best for cats, but any calming music will do.
- Give them a massage
Cats love to be petted, and a gentle massage can help them mellow down.
- Brush their fur
Brushing your cat’s fur is another excellent way to bond with them and make them feel calm and loved. It’s also a perfect way to remove any knots or tangles that might make them uncomfortable.
- Take them for a walk
If your cat is particularly energetic, taking them for a walk on a leash can help burn off some of that energy and calm them down. Just be sure to start slowly and let them get used to the leash before you try to go too far.
Following these tips, your feline friend should feel calmer in no time.