The feline purring sound means: ‘I am inoffensive‘. A close human equivalent to purring is smiling. Purring is heard under eight different conditions. I discuss them on this page.
There was a time when – before the educational Internet (!) – people thought that the cat purr only meant that the cat was providing a signal that she was content. This thought is probably still prevalent among a section of society but it is incorrect. Good cat owners and scientists alike have studied this vocalization and come to the conclusion that purring is heard under a variety of conditions.
Kitten
When kittens are sucking at the nipple they purr. This is a signal to their mother that all is well.
Mother
When a mother is lying with her kittens she may purr. This is to reassure her kittens that all is well.
Mother Approaches Den/Nest
When a mother approaches the nest where her kittens are hiding she may purr to let them know that they should not be fearful of her approach.
Play
A young cat approaching an adult cat play may purr to signal that she is in a relaxed mood and accepts her subordinate position.
Dominant Adult
If a dominant adult cat approaches a young cat in a friendly way he may purr. This would be a signal to the younger cat indicating non-hostile intentions.
Inferior Cat
If a dominant or more powerful cat approaches a submissive cat, the submissive cat may purr with the intention of appeasing the more powerful dominant cat.
Sick Cat
A sick cat might purr when approached by a dominant cat. The intention is to let the dominant cat know that she is in a weak, non-hostile mood. Cats purr at the veterinarian’s clinic. They probably do so for the same reason. Substitute ‘dominant cat’ for ‘veterinarian’.
Contentment
Yes, we know that most often cat use the purr to signal contentment. Just five minutes ago my cat joined me on my lap while I was dictating this. He purred as he settled down. If he is on his cat condo sleeping and I approach him he may wake up, see me and purr. He is happy to see me. There are numerous occasions when your cat will purr because he feels content but contentment, as mentioned, is not the only reason why a cat purrs. I discuss a range of feline sounds on another page.
Dr Desmond Morris says that a close human equivalent to purring is smiling. I think this is an interesting analogy. But if we think about it is an excellent analogy. Humans smile when they are being submissive, non-hostile and appeasing. We also smile when we are trying to reassure. And of course we smile when we are happy. Morris says that the message of the human smile is “I am not going to do you any harm”. It softens social relationships and lowers tension when in close proximity with another.
P.S. Some wild cats purr. The mountain lion is one example.
Source: This is a great source, Cat World (ISBN 0 09 187240 5) by Dr Desmond Morris. I have been generous in my quotes from this book because it is impossible to restate Morris’ words.
Nice point and thanks.
I have also heard that some cats purr to comfort themselves. Seems sad if it’s true, having to comfort one’s self.
Lucky you! Mountain lions are awesome.
I was at a rehab center for wildlife and met a mountain lion who liked his ears rubbed, as I was rubbing his ears, his lips curled back and hi looked at me and purred. I had a cat once who did the very same thing when he wanted me to massage his gums. So that’s what I did-massage his gums. His purr got louder and louder and his eyes closed. The guide who was with me was petting the cat’s back and was dead white when I looked at him. It didn’t dawn on me until then that I had all my fingers in a wild animal’s mouth. I cherish that moment in time when I was accepted by a wild creature to give him some pleasure. His purr was awesome!