Pages Menu
Categories Menu

Posted by on Dec 5, 2015 in TellMeWhy |

How Does a Cat Purr?

How Does a Cat Purr?

How Does a Cat Purr? Unlike most other animals, cats have two sets of vocal cords in their throats, one above the other. Each set produces different sounds. Many cat experts believe that the cat uses the lower vocal cords to produce the “meows.”

The cat uses the upper vocal cords to purr and to growl. When a cat purrs, it allows the upper vocal cords to vibrate as it breathes, producing a low, fluttering sound.

Cats often purr when they are happy and contented. Some cats purr so low that they sound like small motors, while others purr silently, and only vibrations can be felt. The older a cat gets, the more its purr changes.

Newborn kittens purr while they feed. When they get older, some cats purr when they’re happy. However, really scared cats purr, sick cats purr and female cats purr while giving birth. Some cats even purr when they are close to death.

Content for this question contributed by Eric Boehringer, resident of North Tonawanda, Niagara County, New York, USA