Why Do Some Cats Purr Louder Than Others?

Why Do Some Cats Purr Louder Than The Others

Cats usually purr as a sign of contentment. They may also be expressing calmness and happiness by purring although some cats also purr to indicate that they are hungry.  Even though it is normal among cats to purr, there are cats that do not purr while some of them purr louder than the others. 

Why do some cats purr louder than others?

Some cats purr louder than the others because of their breed. Siamese cats, for instance, tend to purr and meow louder compared to other breeds. Some cats may also purr louder than the others because they are especially happy while older cats may purr louder compared to younger ones. 

Here are the common reasons why some cats purr louder than the others:

It may be because of your cat’s breed.  

Some cats are naturally more louder and vocal compared to other cats because of their breed. Siamese cats are known to be vocal and they tend to purr and meow in a loud and low-pitched voice also called meezer. Other cat breeds that purr louder than the others include the Burmese, Maine Coon, Peterbald, Sphynx, and the Oriental Shorthair which has been described to have a loud purr that is comparable to the sound of a truck rumbling by! On the other hand there are some cats that do not purr at all.

She may be happier than usual. 

Some cats tend to purr louder than the others because they are particularly happier than usual. It could be that your cat was served her favorite food, she has a new toy she’s excited about, or she may be experiencing comfort for the first time as with the case of a newly-adopted cat.  

Your cat may be getting older. 

Another reason why your cat tends to purr louder than the others is because she is older and has matured. Compared to younger cats and kittens that purr with their tiny voices, an older cat has a well-developed chest cavity and lungs. An older cat’s vocalization is also louder and more full-throated. 

Your cat may be suffering from a health condition. 

Your cat may be harboring a respiratory ailment such as cough or colds which could change the pitch and volume of her purrs.  By purring loudly, your cat may also be doing some self-soothing to ease her pain or condition. Some studies attest that their purrs can help heal their bones, ease breathing, lessen pain and swelling, and repair tendons. 

Why do cats purr?

These are the common reasons why cats purr:

  • cats purr when they are in a good mood
  • they purr when they are relaxed and comfortable
  • cats purr when they are contented 
  • to express affection 
  • they may be hungry or wants something 
  • to soothe themselves especially when in pain
  • it can also promote healing to  other animals and humans 

What does it mean when a cat purrs louder than normal?

If your cat is purring louder than normal, do not panic. It does not necessarily mean that she is in pain as she may only be expressing happiness, comfort, and contentment.  If she is purring louder than normal but she looks relaxed and comfortable, you do not have to worry. 

However, if aside from the abnormal and loud purring she is also manifesting other signs like hiding or keeping her distance, twitching her tail, or becoming aggressive, you have to be extra observant.  If your cat also has a fever,  an eye or nose discharge, or signs of injury, you should bring her to the vet at once for proper treatment. 

Why do cats purr when they sleep?

One probable reason why cats purr when they sleep is that part of their brain which controls the purr reflex may still be active.  It is usually normal for cats to be sound asleep but still be purring. Cats may also purr in their sleep because they are relaxed and comfortable. And just like sleepwalking among humans, cats may be having good and pleasurable dreams that is why they are unconsciously vocalizing in their sleep. 

Why do cats purr and bite you?

You may wonder why your cat will suddenly purr and bite you when just moments ago you were happily playing with her. These are the probable reasons why she is acting that way:

  • you may have accidentally overstimulated her 
  • you may have switched to another activity that she dislikes 
  • she may have mistook it for a toy 

Conclusion 

Cats communicate with their owners by purring to signify affection and to convey something such as requesting to be fed. Some cats may purr louder than the others because of their breed. Other cats may do so because they are happier than usual and to express comfort and contentment. Still, other cats may purr louder than the others because of a health issue like cough or colds that tend to change the pitch and volume of their purrs. 

Image: istockphoto.com / Bogdan Kurylo