[Yoshi]

I've heard alot of different reasons why cats purr, But I thought I would just see what you guys think.

Do cats purr for no reason? When there happy, comforatable?

I've always wondered why cats purred, because it seems that theres more than one reason why.

I would love your guys replies and feedback on this.

[Evening]

No cats also purr when they are in pain, and giving birth. It is a common misconception that a purring cat is always a happy cat, the same with dogs wagging their tail.

[Yoshi]

Really? Interesting fact, I always thought that cats meow when there in pain, or happy, or want something ect.

[Evening]

There are a lot of behaviours that are I guess you could consider cliche, so a lot of people think they mean one thing when although it can mean that, it can also mean something else. A few other examples would be dogs rolling onto their back, people can perceive it as the dog wants it's tummy scratched when it can actually mean the complete opposite, that the dog doesn't want to be touched at all, it can be a submissive behaviour, and dogs also yawn when they are stressed, not just when they are tired.

But when mammals in general give birth, their bodies release a lot of "feel good" hormones to try and relieve the pain. While giving birth is never pleasant it has been shown that women have a VERY high pain tolerance while giving birth (and it still really hurts so... what does that say about childbirth? )

So while it's true cats do purr while they give birth they also purr while grooming each other and other social behaviors which I think brings them back to a time when they were kittens with their mother and to them that is very comfortable. So... I think the purring while giving birth has less to do about pain and more about those hormones being released.

Growling... to the unexpirienced ear can sound like purring. Just don't mess with any animal when it is growling is a good rule of thumb.

[pachyderm]

My cats purr in anticipation of attention from me. Or when they know food is coming. Or any time when they expect something nice or want me to get something nice (food) for them. I assume it goes back to when they were kittens and purred while nursing, which made them feel good.

[Stark777]

Interesting thread!

I read recently that some cats purr at a specific frequency to wake you up! Probably to get fed or possibly just to get some attention.

Anyway, this particular frequency is annoying to us whilst we are sleeping so that is why it wakes us up.

Who knows what else cats are up to?? All I know is that mine has got me wrapped around her cute little paw for as long as she needs me!

Stark777

[Yoshi]

Thanks for the replies, I have always wondered about this because it seems there are many different reasons, and I got alot of helpful and intresting replies, so thanks!