The Secrets of a Cats Purr: Unlocking the Three Meanings of a Cats Purr
The Secrets of a Cat's Purr: Unlocking the Three Meanings of a Cat's Purr
The purr of a cat, a seemingly simple act, holds deep secrets within the feline heart. The history of cats in China stretches back thousands of years, with reliable records dating back 3000 years, a time when cats were already known as "mao". However, this is only the earliest record we've found, and the history of cats accompanying humans may extend even further back in time.
Over these long years, cats, these enigmatic creatures, have left their unique mark across the globe. Everything about cats is shrouded in mystery, even their purring, which is known to have at least three distinct functions.
Science Explains: Why Do Cats Purr?
Zoological research reveals the scientific basis behind cat purring. Inside a cat's body lies a specialized organ called the "neural oscillator." This organ is responsible for sensing the surrounding environment, the cat's mood, and its physical condition, and transmitting corresponding signals. These signals are then relayed to the larynx, causing it to open and close rapidly, leading to changes in valve pressure. This pressure change resonates with the cat's breathing, generating air resonance, ultimately producing the familiar "purr" sound.
To put it simply, whenever a cat's brain meets certain conditions, it sends signals to the larynx, triggering the purring sound.
A Cat's Purr, Expression Number One: Happiness
In our daily lives, we often hear cats purr. For instance, when you gently pet a cat, using the right technique, it might purr with contentment, seemingly saying "This feels so good, keep going." This sound always fills cat owners with a sense of joy and satisfaction.
For example, when a cat basks in the warmth of the sun, it might also purr, lost in the comforting embrace of sunlight.
Therefore, many cat owners believe that a cat's purr expresses happiness, because cats purr when they are happy, content, or even comfortable. But in reality, a cat's purr conveys much more than just happiness.
A Cat's Purr, Expression Number Two: Petition
Beyond expressing joy, a cat's purr also holds a second meaning: petition. When a cat has various needs, the neural oscillator sends out signals, triggering a purring response.
For example, when a cat finds its food bowl empty, it might make a fuss, meowing and demanding attention. During this time, it might also purr, as if pleading for more food.
Or, a cat might just wake up from a nap, stretch, and then approach its owner, purring and meowing. In such instances, the cat is seeking communication with its owner or seeking affection.
Therefore, the second meaning behind a cat's purr is that it is conveying its needs!
A Cat's Purr, Expression Number Three: Healing
Apart from expressing happiness and petition, a cat's purr holds a crucial function: healing.
When a cat is ill, it might purr due to pain. At such times, the purring is not an expression of contentment or a plea, but a manifestation of pain, similar to a human groan when injured.
However, unlike human groans, human groans only express emotional pain, whereas a cat's purr, in addition to expressing emotional pain, carries a self-healing function.
Beyond Self-Healing, Healing its Owner
What's even more remarkable is that a cat's purr not only heals itself but also its owner. A foreign animal behavior research institute has discovered that a cat's purr can alleviate stress, regulate breathing, relieve fatigue, and even improve heart health.
This is likely one of the reasons why cat owners generally tend to live longer and healthier lives than those who don't own cats.
Therefore, a cat's purr is not simply an expression of happiness. In daily life, if your cat purrs at you, consider these three possible meanings:
First, your cat might be happy and content, hence the purring.
Second, your cat might be petitioning for something, such as food or attention.
Third, your cat might be unwell.
Don't simply assume that your cat is happy just because it's purring, as you used to.
Of course, if you own a cat, remember to interact with it frequently. If you make your cat happy, it will purr more often, and you, in turn, will live a longer and healthier life.
The purr of a cat, a seemingly simple act, holds deep secrets within the feline heart. The history of cats in China stretches back thousands of years, with reliable records dating back 3000 years, a time when cats were already known as "mao". However, this is only the earliest record we've found, and the history of cats accompanying humans may extend even further back in time.
Over these long years, cats, these enigmatic creatures, have left their unique mark across the globe. Everything about cats is shrouded in mystery, even their purring, which is known to have at least three distinct functions.
Science Explains: Why Do Cats Purr?
Zoological research reveals the scientific basis behind cat purring. Inside a cat's body lies a specialized organ called the "neural oscillator." This organ is responsible for sensing the surrounding environment, the cat's mood, and its physical condition, and transmitting corresponding signals. These signals are then relayed to the larynx, causing it to open and close rapidly, leading to changes in valve pressure. This pressure change resonates with the cat's breathing, generating air resonance, ultimately producing the familiar "purr" sound.
To put it simply, whenever a cat's brain meets certain conditions, it sends signals to the larynx, triggering the purring sound.
A Cat's Purr, Expression Number One: Happiness
In our daily lives, we often hear cats purr. For instance, when you gently pet a cat, using the right technique, it might purr with contentment, seemingly saying "This feels so good, keep going." This sound always fills cat owners with a sense of joy and satisfaction.
For example, when a cat basks in the warmth of the sun, it might also purr, lost in the comforting embrace of sunlight.
Therefore, many cat owners believe that a cat's purr expresses happiness, because cats purr when they are happy, content, or even comfortable. But in reality, a cat's purr conveys much more than just happiness.
A Cat's Purr, Expression Number Two: Petition
Beyond expressing joy, a cat's purr also holds a second meaning: petition. When a cat has various needs, the neural oscillator sends out signals, triggering a purring response.
For example, when a cat finds its food bowl empty, it might make a fuss, meowing and demanding attention. During this time, it might also purr, as if pleading for more food.
Or, a cat might just wake up from a nap, stretch, and then approach its owner, purring and meowing. In such instances, the cat is seeking communication with its owner or seeking affection.
Therefore, the second meaning behind a cat's purr is that it is conveying its needs!
A Cat's Purr, Expression Number Three: Healing
Apart from expressing happiness and petition, a cat's purr holds a crucial function: healing.
When a cat is ill, it might purr due to pain. At such times, the purring is not an expression of contentment or a plea, but a manifestation of pain, similar to a human groan when injured.
However, unlike human groans, human groans only express emotional pain, whereas a cat's purr, in addition to expressing emotional pain, carries a self-healing function.
Beyond Self-Healing, Healing its Owner
What's even more remarkable is that a cat's purr not only heals itself but also its owner. A foreign animal behavior research institute has discovered that a cat's purr can alleviate stress, regulate breathing, relieve fatigue, and even improve heart health.
This is likely one of the reasons why cat owners generally tend to live longer and healthier lives than those who don't own cats.
Therefore, a cat's purr is not simply an expression of happiness. In daily life, if your cat purrs at you, consider these three possible meanings:
First, your cat might be happy and content, hence the purring.
Second, your cat might be petitioning for something, such as food or attention.
Third, your cat might be unwell.
Don't simply assume that your cat is happy just because it's purring, as you used to.
Of course, if you own a cat, remember to interact with it frequently. If you make your cat happy, it will purr more often, and you, in turn, will live a longer and healthier life.
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