Why cats purr? The different explanations of science

 Despite the widespread opinion that the purring of the cat is a clear sign of pleasure, various research suggests that the vibrations also have other functions and, in some cases, they can even be considered an attempt to 'hack' the brain of humans with a psychological trick. Although science did not provide definitive explanations for this phenomenon, many ideas were put forward by the researchers. Lauren Finka, a feline wellness scientist at International Cat Care, told Science Focus that snoring may be attempts by cats to ask for food. A study by the University of Sussex (UK) has however revealed a few years ago that cats modify the way they purr according to a certain need. Thus, when asked to be fed, humans perceived those sounds as "more urgent and less pleasant", using high-frequency vocal components similar to those emitted by human children when they cry because they are hungry.

Another possible explanation, also totally contrary to the perception of vibrations as signs of happiness, is that the cat is injured or distressed. "It is believed that, in certain contexts, cats can also purr in an attempt to calm down, which may help them feel calmer or relieve pain. In fact, cats were observed purring in situations where they were probably stressed or felt physically uncomfortable," Finka explained. In such scenarios it could also be an attempt to ask us for help, as they do when asking for food, but the body language and behavior of the cat in general suggest that he does not want to be touched and prefers to be alone. "Cats can also purr when humans are not present. Therefore, further research is needed to better understand the different functions of purring in domestic cats", the scientist concluded. Purring, moreover, could signal a self-healing process in progress. According to a study published in the New Zealand Veterinary Journal, in fact, the "vibration" of the purrs of cats, from 20 Hz to 150 Hz, could favor the bone growth and the healing of soft tissues.

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