Do all cats purr the same way?

No, not all cats purr the same way. Some cats purr louder and more frequently, while others purr nearly silently. A cat’s purr is normally a matter of their personality and learned behavior rather than breed.

Why does my cat stop purring when I move or get up?

Cats like stability and comfort, so if you’re moving or getting up, they may stop purring because they become more alert and less relaxed. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean your cat’s unhappy. They will resume their happy sounds once you’ve resettled.

Should I worry if my cat purrs while hiding?

If your kitty purrs while hiding, it could be a sign that they’re uncomfortable. Monitor them for lethargy or changes in appetite or water intake. If you notice any of these concerning signs or similar, contact your veterinarian.

Yes, most kittens start purring by the time they’re a couple of weeks old in order to communicate with their mother. When they get a little older, purring becomes their go-to for social bonding with the humans in their life as well.

Why Do Cats Purr? Meanings, Reasons & What It Tells You

Cats purr for several reasons. Purring can signal anything from contentment or attention seeking to discomfort or stress. This guide will give you all the reasons cats purr and how to read their body language so you can interpret how your pet’s feeling and what they might need.

Key Takeaways

Cats purr when they’re content, seeking attention or food, stressed, or uncomfortable. They might also purr to self-soothe.
The best way to tell why your cat is purring is by watching their body language and behavior. For instance, a relaxed posture and slow blinks signal contentment, whereas a tense posture or tucked tail signals stress.
Your cat may need medical attention if purring is combined with hiding, appetite loss, decreased water intake, or lethargy.

The Most Common Reasons Cats Purr

You probably think that if you hear your cat purring, they’re happy as can be. But, in fact, there are several more reasons you might catch your little kitty purring up a storm. Here are a few of the most common reasons cats purr.

When They’re Happy or Content

If your cat is resting on a windowsill or cuddling up to you, they’re probably purring because they’re happy. If that’s what’s going on, your kitty is likely using these little rumbles to strengthen the bond between the two of you.

To Communicate with People

Cats often purr to say hello. On top of that, they might use this cute sound to get your attention.

Their purr may translate to “let’s cuddle,” for instance. Or, if your cat is hungry, they might even employ what’s called “a distinct solicitation purr,” which is more forceful than the regular purr (a.k.a. “Feed me now!”).

To Self-Soothe

You may be surprised to hear your kitty purr during stressful times, such as vet visits, travel, or after a sudden loud noise. In this case, instead of being content, your cat may be trying to self-soothe.

Cats also sometimes purr when they’re uncomfortable. This might be because they’ve exerted themselves too much or they’re overstimulated.

For Relaxation or Recovery

Purrs can be associated with relaxation and restorative behaviors, thanks to the fact that the vibrations make them calm. These “recovery purrs” often occur while cats are resting or after they’ve been active.

How Cats Purr

We’ve talked about why cats purr, but how does your little kitty make this adorable rumbling sound in the first place?

It all begins when signals in their brain stimulate their voice box muscles, causing them to vibrate. Then, when your cat breathes, the air passing in and out creates the rhythmic sound of a purr.

Your cat’s purr is natural and automatic, and can even be continuous. Hearing that sweet sound is definitely one of the joys of being a cat parent.

How to Tell What Your Cat’s Purring Means

russian blue cat laying upside down on carpet

Now that you know the different reasons cats purr, how do you figure out which one of these things your kitty is experiencing? The best way is to look at the situation at hand and consider your cat’s body language and behavior.

Body Language

They say that body language is somewhere between 55% and 93% of human communication. For your kitty, it’s no different. If your cat has a relaxed posture, calm eyes, and slow blinks while they’re purring, for instance, they’re probably content.

Behavior Patterns

Your cat’s behavior while purring can also give you a better idea about how they’re feeling. For instance, if they’re purring while kneading or cuddling, they’re trying to bond with you. Or, if they’re purring next to the food bowl, they’re trying to grab your attention…and their dinner!

Here’s a chart to help you decipher your cat’s purrs:

Situation	What the Purring Usually Means
Resting or napping beside you	Comfort, trust, contentment
Kneading or being gently petted	Bonding, relaxation, affection
Approaching you with tail up	Greeting, attention-seeking
Mealtime or near food bowl	Solicitation purr, anticipation
Vet visit, travel, or new environment	Stress relief, self-soothing
After vigorous play or activity	Recovery, calming down
When unwell or hiding	Possible discomfort; observe closely

When Purring Might Signal Something Else

Signs Your Cat Is Stressed

To determine if it’s a stress-related purr, consider when your cat started purring. Did you just take them on a trip, or has something changed at home? Cats aren’t crazy about unexpected change, so this may be at the root of their stress purrs.

As we mentioned earlier, you also want to check their body language. If your cat has a stiff posture, tense muscles, dilated pupils, a tucked tail, wide eyes, or flattened ears, then they’re probably upset or stressed. Other cues include actively hiding, slinking around the room, or a swishing tail.

Signs Your Cat Is Uncomfortable

If discomfort is the reason your cat’s purring, you may notice that while they’re purring, they’re also withdrawing from you, actively hiding, or avoiding interaction. They might have less of an appetite, decreased water intake, seem lethargic, or exhibit unusual behavior patterns.

Additionally, increased vocalization can indicate that your cat is uncomfortable. If you notice any of these signs, you should talk to your veterinarian so they can help you figure out what’s going on so you can make your kitty comfy again.

Make Mealtime Another Reason Your Cat Purrs!

Purring is often your cat’s way of telling you they feel safe, content, and completely in their element. Let mealtime bring on those purrs! By offering food with tempting textures, rich flavors, and satisfying portions, you can turn everyday feeding into a moment of zen for your cat.

Explore SHEBA® Wet Food to find recipes that match your cat’s tastes and support those soft, relaxed purrs they reserve for their favorite moments!

References

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

All Questions Why Do Cats Purr?

Do all cats purr the same way?

No, not all cats purr the same way. Some cats purr louder and more frequently, while others purr nearly silently. A cat’s purr is normally a matter of their personality and learned behavior rather than breed.
Why does my cat stop purring when I move or get up?

Cats like stability and comfort, so if you’re moving or getting up, they may stop purring because they become more alert and less relaxed. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean your cat’s unhappy. They will resume their happy sounds once you’ve resettled.
Should I worry if my cat purrs while hiding?

If your kitty purrs while hiding, it could be a sign that they’re uncomfortable. Monitor them for lethargy or changes in appetite or water intake. If you notice any of these concerning signs or similar, contact your veterinarian.
Can kittens purr?

Yes, most kittens start purring by the time they’re a couple of weeks old in order to communicate with their mother. When they get a little older, purring becomes their go-to for social bonding with the humans in their life as well.

SEE ALL

Why Do Cats Purr? Meanings, Reasons & What It Tells You

Key Takeaways

The Most Common Reasons Cats Purr