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Hello Friend,
In searching for ways to keep your cat healthy, I suggest you have a peek at my supplement. There have been some wonderful success stories, keeping cats healthy, and helping with Arthritis, Feline Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), and recurrent bouts of Cat Flu.
http://www.thecatsupplement.com
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How and Why Do Cats Purr?
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Source: Library of Congress
No one knows for sure why a domestic cat purrs, but many people interpret the sound as one of contentment. Our understanding of how a domestic cat purrs is becoming more complete; most scientists agree that the larynx (voice box), laryngeal muscles, and a neural oscillator are involved.
Kittens learn how to purr when they are a couple of days old. Veterinarians suggest that this purring tells ‘Mom’ that “I am okay” and that “I am here.” It also indicates a bonding mechanism between kitten and mother.
As the kitten grows into adulthood, purring continues. Many suggest a cat purrs from contentment and pleasure. But a cat also purrs when it is injured and in pain. Dr. Elizabeth Von Muggenthaler has suggested that the purr, with its low frequency vibrations, is a “natural healing mechanism.” Purring may be linked to the strengthening and repairing of bones, relief of pain, and wound healing
This is a link to that paper:
http://www.animalvoice.com/catpur.htm
Purring is a unique vocal feature in the domestic cat. However, other species in the Felidae family also purr: Bobcat, Cheetah, Eurasian Lynx, Puma, and Wild Cat (Complete list in Peters, 2002). Although some big cats like lions exhibit a purr-like sound, studies show that the Patherinae subfamily: Lion, Leopard, Jaguar, Tiger, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard do not exhibit true purring (Peters, 2002).”
What makes the purr distinctive from other cat vocalizations is that it is produced during the entire respiratory cycle (inhaling and exhaling). Other vocalizations such as the “meow” are limited to the expiration of the breath.
It was once thought that the purr was produced from blood surging through the inferior vena cava, but as research continues it seems that the intrinsic (internal) laryngeal muscles are the likely source for the purr. Moreover, there is an absence of purring in a cat with laryngeal paralysis. The laryngeal muscles are responsible for the opening and closing of the glottis (space between the vocal chords), which results in a separation of the vocal chords, and thus the purr sound. Studies have shown, that the movement of the laryngeal muscles is signaled from a unique “neural oscillator” (Frazer-Sisson, Rice, and Peters, 1991 & Remmers and Gautier, 1972) in the cat’s brain.
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Veterinary Secrets Pet of the Day!
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Hi Dr. Jones,
Bingo is my 4 year old rescue kitty from a no-kill shelter. He's feral, and had never seen a house before I adopted him at the age of about 1 year.
Bingo doesn't have knee caps...something my local Vet informed me about after he examined him. Bingo walks very stiff-legged on his hind legs...but this doesn't seem to stop him running or jumping. He's a leaper par excellence! Hope you enjoy my photo. Sincerely, Margaret Illman (one of your devoted readers)
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| Dog and Cat Words of Wisdom...
" A purr a day can keep the doctor away!."
Andrew Jones, DVM
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| Heal Your Pet At Home!
Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew Jones, DVM |
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P.S.I love the sound of a purring cat- whether it is my own, a neighbors cat I am taking care of, or a clients.. It *really* is therapeutic, and I ALWAYS feel better afterwards.
Purr therapy :-)
P.P.S. In the vein of health, consider my cat supplement for your cat..Many a positive benefit, with a TONNE of positive reviews.
http://www.thecatsupplement.com
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| DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. Dr Andrew Jones resigned from the College of Veterinarians of B.C. effective December 1 2010, meaning he cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make specific medical recommendations for your pet.
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