CATS

Why doesn't the cat purr?

Anyone who lives with one or more cats knows how pleasant and relaxing it can be to enjoy a cat's purr. However, those who think that a cat is always able to purr might discover some interesting curiosities.

The cat may not purr at all and this does not at all mean that it does not feel affection for the humans it lives with (it may show this in other ways).

So what are the cases when the cat does not purr? Let us try to understand more.

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The reasons why the cat does not purr
Anyone who lives with one or more cats knows how pleasant and relaxing it can be to enjoy a cat's purr. However, those who think that a cat is always able to purr might discover some interesting curiosities. The cat may not purr at all and this does not at all mean that it does not feel affection for the humans it lives with (it may show this in other ways). So what are the cases when the cat does not purr? Let us try to understand more.
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When the cat purrs
Let us assume that a cat's purr can be produced for a variety of reasons. The cat may purr when it is happy and content, when it is cuddling and receiving cuddles, but also in stressful situations. There would be no way to encourage it to purr, this could be partly voluntary and partly instinctive.
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How the purr would be produced
If the cat does not purr, therefore, there may be no reason behind this behaviour. The purring, in the end, would just be a sound resulting from the rhythmic movement of the diaphragm and larynx muscles opening and closing in the course of deep breathing.
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The purr for kittens
The purring of new-born kittens is said to help them understand where their mother is and what milk they are feeding on. The mystery of cat purring also deepens because it has been shown that early removal from the mother does not affect the cat's propensity to purr or not.
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Any physiological conditions that prevent purring
Some perfectly healthy cats may not purr because of some physiological condition that may prevent them from purring. Still others may not want to purr as a matter of temperament. Talking to your vet may be helpful to get some more information.
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