Some male cats purr while others do not. That actually goes for both genders. If you have had your male cat checked by a vet and there is nothing physically wrong with him, you do not have to worry much about your male cat not purring.
Why does my male cat not purr?
There are a few possible reasons why your male cat is not purring.
For starters, he might not be purring because that is part of his personality. Most likely, your cat feels that there is no need to purr when you are around, choosing other means of communication, from his body language to other vocalizations like meowing.
On the other hand, if your male cat used to purr and then suddenly stop doing so, it might indicate a medical issue that requires the attention of your vet. Watch out for other symptoms like reduced appetite and lethargy.
It is also possible that your cat has been purring but the volume is barely audible to you.
If your cat is otherwise healthy and there is nothing wrong with it physically, you do not need to worry about him not purring. It is just part of his personality.
Can you make your male cat purr?
That depends on your cat. If your cat has stayed with you for a substantial time and you have not yet heard him purr, there is not much that you can do to encourage him to do so.
On the other hand, if your tomcat purrs occasionally, there are a few things that you can do to coax him to purr more often, especially if he has a shy and reserved personality.
1. Hone in on his sweet spots
When you give your tomcat pets, zero on specific spots on his body that will elicit the best response from him. These include his chin, back of the ears, and his back.
2. Sing to your cat
When your cat is sitting next to you on your lap, sing or talk to him softly. This can put him at ease and make him more comfortable around you.
3. Lie next to your cat
If you catch your cat sleeping or quietly lounging around, sit or lie next to him and then pet him.
4. Give your cat something to knead on
Many cats love kneading soft surfaces like blankets. And once your pet begins kneading, give him pets to entice him to purr.
How do cats purr?
It still remains unclear how cats produce the sound that cat owners and lovers recognize as the purr.
Initially, biologists thought the purring sound was created by the flow of blood to the heart’s inferior vena cava. The inferior vena cava is a vein that carries deoxygenated blood to the heart.
However, scientists have debunked this theory. These experts now suggest that the familiar sound of the purr that you hear from cats is made in the larynx. The muscles of the larynx expand and contract the part of the vocal cords known as the glottis. And when a cat breathes in and out, the air vibrates on the glottis, creating a purr.
What does it mean when a male cat purrs?
Male (and female) cats purr for a variety of reasons. Like most cat behaviors, you need to look at the context so that you can understand what your feline is trying to communicate to you.
Purring begins a few days after a kitten is born. And because kittens are born blind, young cats use this vocalization to bond with their mothers and give their location.
Happiness
Many cat owners associate purring with happiness and contentment. Usually, a happily purring cat will be lying on his back, eyes either closed or half-closed, and tail lying still.
Hunger
Cats have developed a special type of purr that is a combination of a meow and a purr that is called the solicitation purr. And this special purr is typically used by cats when they are hungry or want something from their humans.
According to experts that have studied feline vocalizations, this type of purr is similar to the cry of a baby, eliciting immediate attention.
Healing
Purring creates vibrations that experts suggest can promote faster healing in cats. These vibrations can help a cat mend his bones, heal his wounds, build stronger muscles and tendons, make breathing easier, and relieve pain and swelling.
Another theory suggests that because of the vibrations created by a purr, a cat can manage to survive tricky situations that would otherwise kill another pet.
Do not worry if your tomcat does not purr
Not all cats purr. That does not mean that there is something wrong with your male cats. Some cats just do not purr. Instead, they may use other forms of communication to talk with you and other cats. If you are worried that there is something wrong with your pet, visit the vet to determine if a physical problem is stopping your pet from purring.