What’s in a Purr?

Here’s a question for you: Why do cats always get their way?

They are very purr-suasive!

That might be a silly joke, but scientists actually think that one of the reasons cats purr might be to persuade you to give them what they want!

Most people know that cats purr when they’re feeling happy. Just curl up with a kitten, give it a scratch between its ears, and you’ll hear how they feel! And though scientists still aren’t exactly sure why cats purr, they think they’ve discovered a few reasons.

• Kittens can’t see or hear for the first two weeks after they are born, but they begin purring after just a few days—probably to communicate with their mothers about where they are.
• Studies found that cats purr more urgently when they’re hungry to let their humans know it’s time to be fed.
• Cats might purr when they are frightened or stressed to soothe themselves.
• Some scientists believe purring might even help a cat’s bones heal if they get injured.1

God designed all his creatures to communicate in unique ways.

So how do cats make these sounds? Just like humans, each cat has a voice box, called a larynx (LARE-inx), in its neck. When cats breathe, the air vibrates over the muscles in their larynx, producing the purring sound.

God designed all his creatures to communicate in unique ways, including the calming purrs of your feline friend!

Purr-fect Cat Facts:

• Listening to a cat purr can help lower stress.
• Cats can either purr or roar, but not both—so lions can’t purr, and your pet cat will never be able to roar.
• Cats will usually stop purring when they hear water running.
• Cats can make over 100 different sounds, from crying to growling to purring to meowing.

Do you have a question about God’s Word or his world that you want us to answer? Is there a topic you want to learn more about? Ask your parents to help you submit your question today. We’d love to hear from you!