Most people think that cats don’t love their humans, but they’re wrong. They’re very much capable of loving their cat parents.
In fact, they’re one of the most affectionate pets you can have.
They’re stereotyped as less affectionate and attached to their owners than dogs, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t love their human parents or people, in general.
They just have different ways of expressing love.
For instance, many cats mark their cat owners and homes with their scent, so that other cats nearby can back off. Felines also express love for their owners through purring, exposing their belly, sleeping next to their owners, etc.
My cat usually purrs when I pet him and he always falls asleep on my lap as he feels secure in my presence. Although cats purr for many different reasons, they typically purr when they’re comfortable and happy.
In today’s article, I will discuss your cat’s purr in detail, so you can have a better understanding of your cat’s behavior and why your cat purrs when she sees you.
Do Cats Purr When They’re Happy to See You?
Cats usually purr when they’re happy and safe. Moreover, if you’re the person who feeds them, they will purr in your presence as a way of expressing their love and affection.
If your cat loves you, they will rub against your legs to tell you that they’re happy to see you. Some felines purr very loud, while others purr silently and it is hard to hear them.
Either way, if your cat purrs when they see you, they’re probably happy.
Felines make different sounds to communicate with their owners and learning those vocal sounds can help you build a better relationship with your furry friend.
Keep in mind that just like people, cats have unique personalities, so some will purr, while others won’t, even when they’re happy in your presence.
Cats also purr when they’re hungry, relaxed, and even nervous, anxious, or in pain as purring has healing powers and can help your feline heal faster.
No matter what’s the reason behind your cat’s purring, they benefit in various ways from this calming and relaxing noise.
Why Does My Cat Purr So Loud When Next to Me?
Cats purr loudly next to their owners because of many different reasons, so it’s very important to learn your feline’s body language while purring to recognize the reason for this behavior.
For instance, a wagging tail and loud purring represent happiness. These two signs also show that your feline wants to play and cuddle.
If you notice a tense posture in your cat while purring, they’re probably nervous or sick. And as I already stated, purring helps cats heal faster.
Purring accompanied by meowing indicates hunger. Some cats even purr when they feel distressed and lonely because of their owners’ absence.
Overall, purring loudly isn’t anything you should worry about, but if it’s accompanied by heavy breathing which resembles panting, visit the nearest vet clinic immediately as they’re in danger.
Why Does My Cat Start Purring When I Talk to Him?
Most felines start purring when people talk to them as purring is their primary way of communicating with people and other animals.
Purring signifies hunger, pain, anxiety, happiness, and affection among other things. And although you don’t understand your feline’s language, it’s important to maintain communication as talking can help you build a better relationship with your cat.
Therefore, next time when your cat starts to purr when you talk, continue talking and you will notice that your cat is feeling calmer. Just don’t raise your voice as your cat might think that you’re angry and run away.
So, is a Cat Purring a Good Sign?
In most cases, purring is a good sign. However, in some instances, cats purr as well as bite and attack as a result of nervousness, tension, anxiety, fear, etc.
This type of behavior is more common in strays and unfamiliar cats. However, home cats can also purr and then attack all of a sudden when they feel annoyed or scared of their owners.
Therefore, always watch your cat’s body language. If they’re tense and purring that is a warning sign that it will attack or bite you.
Learn how to recognize your feline’s different moods and you will always know what to do and how to act.
Purring in stray cats or unfamiliar cats indicates the same things. If you stop by and pet a stray or unfamiliar cat as many cat lovers do, they can purr as a result of hunger, happiness, comfort, pain, sickness, etc.
As I already established, a cat’s body language can reveal a lot about their mood, so pay close attention and stay away from cats that seem tense or anxious while purring, as they can attack or bite you.
Does Purring Of A Cat Indicate That They’re Dying?
If your cat isn’t feeling well, refuses food and water, and seems tired and sleepy, then their purring may indicate that they’re dying.
However, if you have a healthy cat that’s purring then there’s no reason for concern as purring isn’t anything unusual in felines.
They’re purring when they’re happy, hungry, or cuddly. So, purring doesn’t typically indicate death and disease.
As a cat owner, you should spend time learning your feline’s body language, so you can better understand how they feel and what they want when they release different sounds such as purring.
Some experts think that hurt or sick cats purr because purring helps heal their body faster and strengthen bones. These vibrations can also decrease swelling and pain as well as ease breathing.
If you suspect your cat feels sick, visit the vet immediately.
Moreover, follow their recommendations and take good care of your feline until they feel better. Provide food, water, and medications if given by your vet.
If they refuse food and/or water, pour tuna juice into their food and water bowl to boost their appetite. Cats love tuna, so you can provide occasional tuna treats as well, but not too often or too much as they can get addicted to this tasty food.
Also, cuddle with your cat if they allow it. Let your furry friend know they’re secure and loved.
Why Cats Purr in the First Place?
Animal experts have been studying the cat’s purr for years trying to uncover the real meaning behind this well-known vibrating noise.
Some speculate that when cats purr, they actually communicate with cat parents and/or other pets.
Others think that this sound has other many purposes besides communication such as healing, appeasement, expressing happiness, or cat imprinting, etc.
And I agree with their conclusion as many studies have shown that purring has real healing powers.
To understand the purpose of cats’ purring, let’s start from the very beginning when they’re just a few days old. The mother typically purrs during the delivery. She purrs when feeding her kittens as well.
That means that felines probably purr when they’re in pain. However, they also purr to express their happiness with their babies.
Do Small Kittens Purr?
Small kittens purr as well. Actually, purring helps small kittens notify their mothers of their location, so they can eat. When they grow up, they continue purring when they feel hunger, happiness, affection, pain, stress, etc.
Moreover, cats can recognize a good human, so if a stray or unfamiliar cat comes to you and starts purring or rubbing against your legs that means she likes you.
I’m fascinated by felines as they’re good judges of human emotions, character, body language, etc.
It’s believed that people don’t choose cats. Cats choose their owners. Therefore, if a cat picks you as their owner, provide a home for the new member of your family.
Other Possible Causes of Purring
As I already established, cats purr due to many different reasons. For instance, they can purr after they’ve been chased by other cats or dogs.
They can also purr when they’re experiencing environmental changes. I remember my cat being anxious and stressed when we moved into a new home.
He was purring loudly while exploring his new environment because felines purr when they’re inspecting new areas and marking things and people with their scent.
Unfortunately, they also purr when they’re feeling unwell or hurt. Some felines even purr when they’re near death as they can sense their death.
If your feline is sick and purring, they’re likely asking for extra care or love, so make sure you provide some extra TLC for your feline.
Does Purring Really Have Healing Properties?
Studies have shown that purring has healing properties. In other words, purring can help your feline heal faster and feel better.
When purring, their entire bodies vibrate at a frequency of 20-150 Hz which promotes stronger bodies. Bones, for instance, respond to frequencies of about 25-50 Hz, while soft tissues and skin respond to frequencies of about 100 Hz. (*)
But here’s the real kicker. Purring has healing properties for people as well. So, when cats purr, they’re not only healing or helping themselves but also helping their owners if they’re having a medical problem.
Another interesting fact is that having a cat as a pet can decrease your risk of having a heart attack or other heart diseases by nearly 30%. (*)
Therefore, next time you feel stressed after a long day at work, take your cat in your lap and pet it. Their purring will not only help relieve your stress but also strengthen your relationship.
Why Is My Cat So Affectionate in the Morning?
Cats show a lot of love in the morning because they usually miss their human family during the night. And of course, they’re hungry.
So, if your cat rolls, purrs, and rubs against your legs in the morning, they’re probably hungry and asking for cuddles.
My cat, for instance, wakes me up by meowing and purring. That’s his way of telling me that it’s time for breakfast and belly rubs.
Instead of getting angry at your cat for waking you up before your alarm clock, get up and prepare some breakfast.
Also, don’t forget to provide interactive toys for your cat, so they can stay amused while you’re at work or out of the home.
Otherwise, they might feel lonely and stressed by your absence.
So, Why Does My Cat Purr in My Presence?
Your cat purrs in your presence because they love you. They probably feel satisfied and safe within your home.
Some cats purr and meow at the same time to express their content, so if you notice this behavior in your feline, know you’re their favorite human.
Keep in mind that cats also purr in the presence of their owners when they’re playful or hungry, so make sure you learn their body language to meet their needs.
As I mentioned throughout this article, cats purr when they’re feeling sick as well, so make sure you take your feline to the vet for a regular checkup.
If they’re hiding more than usual or they refuse food, water, and playtime, they’re ill and need medical attention.
If you have a senior cat, make sure you’re visiting the vet regularly as there’s a higher chance of sickness in adult cats.
Overall, purring is a sign of a happy cat. The best part? It’s also good for your own health due to the healing power of vibrations.
So, take your cat in your lap and spend some quality time together for the sake of both of you.
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*image by khorzhevska/depositphotos