Have you ever wondered if your cats can manipulate you? Behind those cute faces lie true masters of manipulation!
You probably have many questions for your pet: “Why are you purring?”, “Why did you knock over all the flowers again?”, and “Seriously, why did you do that right after I vacuumed?”.
Undoubtedly, scientists have already learned a lot about cat behavior, but they cannot yet answer all your questions. Let’s explore what science has already discovered — about purring.
Masters of Manipulation
Many cat owners believe that their pets purr solely to express pleasure. However, research shows that these soothing sounds can arise for various reasons, including attempts to influence your emotional state.
Nevertheless, to date, there is no definitive explanation for why cats purr.
Scientists have identified a specific neural generator (essentially, brain waves) that activates the biological process associated with purring, but it is unclear what exactly triggers it. Experts suggest that there are several reasons why cats make this sound:
Communication
For example, a study conducted by the University of Sussex showed that cats can modify their purring depending on their needs. “This study demonstrated noticeable differences in the quality of the purring sound when cats are asking for food from their owners compared to when they are simply relaxed or being petted,” notes Dr. Lauren Finka.
Interestingly, purrs associated with food requests are perceived by humans as more insistent and less pleasant to the ear. It has been observed that they contain high-frequency components similar to those emitted by infants when they cry.
In other words, your cat is a cunning manipulator. It is simply using your basic parental instincts to its advantage!
Healing
Experts also suggest that your cat may purr when it is in pain or injured.
In some cases, cats may purr for self-soothing. These vibrations help them relax and alleviate pain. There is also evidence that purring has healing properties. One study showed that the vibrations of purring (in the range of 20 Hz to 150 Hz) can indeed promote bone growth and soft tissue healing.
