News: Purring for a purpose

Nearly all cats purr. It used to be mostly a mystery as to how cats purr and why. Sometimes cats purr when they are very content, but others will purr when they are upset or in pain (such as giving birth). New research has some clues to the purpose of purrs.

What is a purr? Cats generate a rumbling vibration that seems to come from deep in the throat or near the heart. The exact mechanism that creates the sound vibration is still not known, but most vets would tell you that it may be the vibration of blood vessels rather than something vibrating in the cat's larynx. Most cat lovers will tell you that once that "motor" gets going, it's hard to mistake it!

Why purr? Cats of all kinds (from lions to tabbies) purr when they are nursing, very content and happy (as in your lap!) and sometimes when they are in pain. Tigers and a few rare species do not purr, as far as we can tell. It seems that domesticated cats are by far the most common purr-ers. But why would those situations cause that reaction? That very question was the drive behind the research about purring.

According to scientists from the Fauna Communications Research Institute in North Carolina, cats generate an average of 25 and 44 hertz frequency (a measure of the number of cycles per second) in their purrs. Slightly lower and slightly higher (20-50Hz) frequencies were recorded for the puma, ocelot, serval, cheetah and caracal. This research reinforced previous studies confirming that exposure to frequencies of 20-50Hz strengthens human bones and helps them to grow.

This seems to show that a cat's purr is both a comforting and healing mechanism. Maybe this is why the old wives' tales say that cats have nine lives? Veterinarians have long known that felines usually heal quickly and efficiently. The sound waves are like a positive energy for them - Hindus would perhaps say its the feline version of the 'universal Ohm" or mantra. Whatever it can be called, we see that it is effective, and comforting to us as well.

Perhaps this information can be used for healing broken or weak bones in humans. Further research should also be conducted to see if there is a residual effect on humans who spend time with their purring cats (as many may tell you!). Perhaps that comforting furry friend is comforting (or healing) you on a physical level as well as the emotional level. That is more good news for cat lovers!

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