Purring is part of every small cat's list of social communication. It's
apparently created by the movement of air in spasms through contractions
of the diaphragm. Interestingly, purring is sometimes heard in cats
who are severely ill or anxious, perhaps as a self-comforting vocalization.
But, more typically, it is a sign of contentment, first heard in kittens
as they drink milk from their mother.
In adults, purring is heard in domesticated cats when they are petted,
and in feral cats during sexual or other social contexts. Like submissive
posturing among dogs, purring may be a signal of appeasement to other cats
or to people, a way to communicate that the purring cat need not be threatened.
As with many behaviors in dogs and cats, the original presumed purpose
of the behavior may not be directly relevant in a pet home. But we do believe
that, when our healthy pet cats purr, they are happy and at peace.
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