Purring
Cats tend to purr when they're happy or content. When a cat purrs, the sound we hear is produced when the cat's larynx vibrates. These vibrations are transferred through the entire body of the cat. Then, when the cat breathes in and out, the vibrations of the larynx become audible. Veterinary behaviorist Katherine Houpt says that the motivation that sets off these vibrations is still something of a mystery. Houpt explains, "We don't know exactly why they purr, but they only do it in social situations -- people don't find their cats purring to themselves -- or only rarely. And it is a behavior probably leftover from kittenhood."
Cats tend to purr when they're happy or content. When a cat purrs, the sound we hear is produced when the cat's larynx vibrates. These vibrations are transferred through the entire body of the cat. Then, when the cat breathes in and out, the vibrations of the larynx become audible. Veterinary behaviorist Katherine Houpt says that the motivation that sets off these vibrations is still something of a mystery. Houpt explains, "We don't know exactly why they purr, but they only do it in social situations -- people don't find their cats purring to themselves -- or only rarely. And it is a behavior probably leftover from kittenhood."
