Why does the cat purr & what are the amazing benefits of purring?

There is no more relaxing moment for a cat owner than when his kitty purrs in his arms calmly and lovingly. For most people, a cat's purr is the most direct way to tell us that it loves us and is happy around us.

This is true to a large extent, as most of the time the cat purrs because it enjoys being petted and generally being around us.

But there are other reasons why a cat purrs. And these reasons are linked to the incredible benefits this sweet sound has for both cats and humans.

Why does the cat purr?

The main cases in which the cat purrs are the following:

• When she is happy , she feels safe and generally enjoys petting and contact with people and other animals. This is, after all, the most frequent reason. You may have noticed that your kitty purrs when you comb her hair with a soft mitt , when you give her her favorite treat , or when she lies down in the sleeping nest or on a soft blanket that she loves. Many cats also purr when playing with a stuffed toy or when they manage to solve a puzzle in an interactive game and get a reward.

• When she is stressed , so she tries to calm herself down. It is something we notice when the cat is at the vet or is hiding somewhere because it is afraid or because it is in pain.

• Purring is also the first sound that kittens hear as soon as they are born . It is emitted by their mom to attract them to her and calm them down, as they are completely blind in their first days of life.

What does the hum offer?

A hum is a sound with a frequency of 25-150 Hz . This is a frequency that contributes to physical healing and combating pain. This is also why cats purr when they are in pain or when they are injured.

However, this relaxing quality of purring doesn't just work on cats. It has been proven by many researches that people who live with a cat - and therefore enjoy this delightful muffled sound often - are less likely to experience depression, hypertension and anxiety disorders. In addition, purring also has analgesic properties.

Let's also not forget that in many outpatient hospitals, patients with various ailments often enjoy the embrace of a cat who is quick to purr next to them and calm them down!