Cats purring

[andrewlee]

how and why do cats purr, and do they only purr when with human company?

[andy hughes]

Research has revealed that experts are unsure of exactly how, and in some cases why, cats purr. Thought is polarised around two theories - its vibration of a major artery in the cat's chest area, or it's vibration of part of the diaphragm. As for the social circumstances when purring occurs, it obviously represents pleasure, but can also occur during delivery of kittens, and sometimes even when the cat is in pain. Again, expert opinion is unsure, but it seems a safe bet that the purr is intended to infer a non-threatening disposition, and when used to other cats, to advise that the purring cat is keen to profer a positive image, and avoid any potential conflict. This may be all nonsense, but as with everything else in life, cats know, but they aren't saying.