Normally cats purr when they are happy. Still, this particular sound is less knowing than meowing, chirping, chattering, hissing, or growling.
Sometimes cats purr to communicate other emotions and needs rather than happiness.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure HERE
Even though it is difficult to know why cats purr, some animal experts suggest this cat behavior is as a way to calm themselves or heal themselves. That is why cats often purr when injured or after a stressful event.
There are other reasons cats use purr as a form of communication.
Reasons why your cat may be purring include:
CATS PURR WHEN THEY ARE HAPPY
Usually, cats purr when humans stroke them. If a cat seems to be relaxed, with her eyes half-closed and her tail mostly still, while purring, it’s safe to assume she is in her happy place.
WHEN THEY ARE HUNGRY OR WANT SOMETHING
Some cats purr when it’s time to eat. Kittens start purring within a few days of birth to attract their mother’s attention to feed them.
This behavior continues when the cat has grown up, and she will use it to tell her owner it is dinner time.
CATS PURR AS A FORM OF RELIEF AND HEALING
Purring produces vibrations inside the body and can decrease pain, help heal bones, repair muscles and tendons, wounds, and ease breathing.
HOW CAN YOU TELL WHY YOUR CAT IS PURRING?
The best way to understand why your cat is purring is to look at her body language and the context.
- If your cat purrs early in the morning, maybe she is asking for food.
- If you just got home, maybe she’s saying hello.
- When your cat is purring while sitting on your lap, maybe she is telling you that she is happy to be with you.