Purring-a "purr"fect sound

There is something so calming about listening to a cat purr especially when they are cuddled up on your lap sharing some bonding time. Purring is the ultimate sign of content from a cat. But they may also purr when injured or even dying. Purring may be a way to indicate that they are not a threat and asking for friendship or interaction.

We still don't understand the full mechanics of how a cat purrs. We do know that they do not have two sets of vocal cords. The current theory is that the cat uses its vestibular folds, located in the voicebox, passing air across them to produce the purr. Cats purr on both the inhale and exhale creating the continuous sound.

Did you know that big cats like lions and tigers can't purr? They can roar, which our little house cats can't do, but no purring out of these guys. I think I prefer my cats soothing, comforting purr any day.