There is something almost magical that happens when you curl up to hear a purring cat. Whether it’s a night on the sofa or a disastrous day at the workplace, the soothing sound of a purring cat will calm your nerves. But why does that specific sound resonate so powerfully with us?
There is actually a little bit of actual science in the relaxation we experience when we’re listening to a purr. It isn’t necessarily a destined sound, but it is a system of natural sound healing programmed into your pet.
Let’s get going in the sweet world of purring and discover why we adore it so.
What Is Purring?
Purring is a gentle, rhythmic purring sound that cats produce when they are pleased, or even hurt or afraid. It likes best when your cat is on your lap, but also learns self solace.
Physiologically, it is due to the cat’s brain sending various cycles of impulses to the voice box muscles (laryngeal). The muscles would twitch between 25 to 150 vibrations per second (Hz), suddenly opening up the vocal cords and producing a soothing but reassuring sound.
Why Do Humans Relax So Much to Purring?
And this is where it gets interesting: human beings are biologically predisposed to respond positively to low frequency, rhythmic sound. Such sounds signal the brain with messages of relaxation, security, and comfort.
Let’s break it down:
1. Low Frequencies Affected the Nervous System
Cats’ purrs tend to range from 25 to 150 Hz. Research shows that such sounds within this frequency range tend to:
- Reduces stress
- Lower blood pressure
- Aids bone and tissue repair
Right! Your purring is also the same vibration frequency as vibrational therapy, which is a real kind of treatment employed by physical therapists to heal injuries.
2. Rhythmic Sounds Relax the Brain
Rhythmic, repetitive sound (such as a wave crashing, heartbeat, or yeah, purring relaxes our brain. They force us to relax our thinking and even get our brains to release serotonin, the “happiness” chemical.
So when your cat is cuddled on your chest, purring happily, your head is actually bathed in calming chemicals.
3. Emotional Bond and Comfort
We can’t emphasize enough how much emotional bonding is occurring here. When a pet purrs for the first time, we initially compare it to:
- Love
- Trust
- Companionship
- Emotional warmth
The emotional bonding contributes to the relaxing effect. What a wonderful in house emotional support group.
Purring Is Also Beneficial for Cats (and That Benefits You Too)
Cats don’t purr in order to make us feel happy they use it as a means of healing themselves. Studies have concluded that cats purr in order to:
- Alleviate pain
- Mend broken bones and injuries
- Decrease inflammation
The fact that your cat is soothing itself and relaxed allows you to become more relaxed too, providing an environment of serenity for both of you.
Purring as a Vehicle of Communication
Sometimes cats purr to express certain wants, like:
- Hunger (often a more loud, demanding sounding purr)
- Attention
- To make you feel better (oh, yes, they do know that you are ill too)
It’s a mutual relationship. If your cat purrs at you, you immediately feel warmer towards them, and the relationship definitely has a certain soothing impact.
Can Purring Cure Human ills
There is emerging new research on the role pets, and specifically purring cats, play in human health. Advantages are:
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Lower cortisol levels (stress hormone)
- Sudden recuperation from disease or trauma
Even therapists recommend animal time as a natural way of boosting mental wellness. It’s not a pill in a bottle, but it’s clear that the purr is a part of much of the therapeutic potential cats have to impact our lives.
Why the Purr Is Nature’s White Noise Machine
Did you ever find yourself nodding off to the sound of the purr of your cat falling into the rhythm of your own breathing? You’re not alone.
A low, constant rumble of a purr has the same effect as white noise machines allow humans to sleep. They dampen distracting noises and provide your mind with something calming to latch onto. It’s Mother Nature’s natural sleeping pill.
Final Thoughts
The next time you’re frazzled or stressed, sit still with a purring cat for a few minutes. You’re not indulging them, you’re taking advantage of a natural, science supported means of chilling out. In a crazy, raucous world, that reassuring, gentle vibration from Purryfuls can be the therapy you didn’t even know you needed.
FAQs
1. Does a cat’s purr really heal bones?
There is some science to suggest that 25–50 Hz frequencies, purring’s rate, will accelerate bone healing. More research would be great, but it looks good.
2. Why am I tired when my cat purrs?
The calm, vibrational noise calms your brain and can make you relax, drowsy.
3. Is purring exclusive to cats?
Yes, most house cats do, although not necessarily feral or wild cats. Large cats like lions don’t purr as much.
4. Is it safe to sleep with a purring cat?
Yes, if you’re comfortable. The sound can be soothing and help you sleep.
5. How is purring different from white noise?
Purring is a bit like natural white noise soft, repetitive, and soothing, so tension or background noise can be lost.
6. Can human beings replicate the purring effect?
While you can’t purr like a cat, low frequency sound therapy or a white noise machine will produce the same sense of calm.
