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Why Does My Cat Constantly Purr While He’s Awake?

If your cat seems to be purring constantly you may be wondering why this is happening, and if it’s normal.

Why Does My Cat Constantly Purr While He’s Awake?

Cats purr constantly while they are awake for several reasons, such as being happy, hungry, in pain and seeking relief, sadness, etc. Each one will have different symptoms and ways of dealing with them.

So, now you know, from a high level, why your cat is doing this. But, why do cats purr, to begin with? How is that sound made? How frequently do most cats purr? Is purring always a display of love? Keep reading for these answers, and so much more…

The 5 Main Reasons Your Cat Keeps on Purring

Here are several reasons why your cat is purring constantly:

1. Pleased or happy: Cats purr when they’re pleased or happy. They seem to purr and roll around when you are playing with them. The purring sound is soothing and relaxing for them.
2. They might be hungry: Purring along with meowing is a potential sign of hunger in cats. You will notice them following you around and going to the kitchen. So, it is time to give your cat a meal.
3. Could be sad: Although this might be uncommon, some cats purr when they are sad. You will notice the difference between the sad and happy purr. So, try to cuddle your cat or play with them for some time.
4. In pain: Cats also purr when they want to relieve their pain. The frequency of their purring sound makes the damaged cells shed and makes the body form new ones. This allows the body to heal and feel less pain.
5. Sickness or injury: Purring may also be a sign of sickness or injury to a cat. You might want to look out for symptoms, like panting, sudden lack of appetite, or lethargy. If you found any of these symptoms, you need to visit your vet as soon as possible.

What Is Cat Purring?

Purring is a soft buzzing sound made by cats and other animals. It is different in tone and loudness between species and in the same animal as well. It involves the movement of the diaphragm along with the rapid movements of the muscles of the larynx.

These muscles move at an average rate of twenty to thirty times per second. The air touches the vibrating muscles when your cat breathes, which produces the purring sound. In fact, each cat has a unique purring sound that is different from other cats’ purrs.

In fact, the brain is the organ that produces the purr in the first place. It sends signals to oscillatory sensors to make the muscles vibrate at a fast rate. When the air touches the moving muscles, the purring sound comes out.

Why Do Cats Purr Anyway?

Purring is a type of language to express emotions and feelings. When your cat is happy and content, they will give out a happy purr to show you affection and love. On the other hand, if they are feeling sad, they will give out a sad purr to show you how they feel.

They also purr when they are feeling sick, suffering from an injury, or experiencing any pain. The frequency of the purr’s sound relieves the cat’s pain and boosts the healing process.

Young kittens purr to allow their mother to find their place and go feed them. This could stick with the kittens to old age, so they will follow you around the kitchen and purr when they are hungry.

Is Purring a Show of Love?

Yes, cats usually purr when they are feeling pleased and happy to show you love and affection. You may notice your cat purring and rolling around more when you are playing or cuddling with them.

However, your cat does not always mean to say. “Hey, I love you.” when they purr. They can be purring for a variety of different reasons. They can be hungry, sad, anxious, distressed, or feeling pain.

So, make sure your cat is not purring for any of the mentioned reasons. If they are okay, share the love back and cuddle with them!

Why Does My Cat Keep Biting Me Even When He’s Purring?

Here are the main reasons why your cat is biting you:

• Frightened or scared: Younger cats usually bite when they are frightened or scared.
• Stressed or Anxious: Cats become aggressive and start biting when they are stressed or anxious. This could be due to a sudden change in their life.
• Uneasy about a new person: They also become distressed and anxious if you introduced a new person or a pet to the household.
• Protective: Mother cats become aggressive when they are trying to protect their little kittens or when they feel like the babies are in danger.
• In Pain: They could lash out a bite when they are in pain.
• Just playing: Cat bites can also be playful and non-aggressive. They might start biting you playfully if you are cuddling or playing with them.

If you are sure that your cat is not suffering from pain, stress, anxiety, fear, etc., then do not worry. They are being playful with you!

Biting non-aggressively is a normal thing in the cat world. Cats do it with each other when they are having fun and they do it also with their fellow humans.

Could Your Cats Purring Have Health Benefits?

Yes, it definitely does. The frequency of a cat’s purr lies in the range of around 20 – 150 Hz. Such frequencies are proven to heal the damaged tissues and bones.

The frequency of the purr allows the body to shed and get rid of the damaged cells and form new and healthy ones. This enhances the healing process and makes it faster. It also helps the body to build stronger bones and muscles.

Fun fact, humans themselves use vibration therapy to boost their recovery time from injuries. It even heals the body from diseases such as arthritis.

What Frequency Do Cats Purr At?

Cats purr at frequencies within the range of 20 – 150 Hz. This frequency range is proven to have major health benefits for cats.

Why Do Young Kittens Purr?

Young kittens usually purr for these main reasons:

• Scared: They are frightened or scared of something.
• Location: They are allowing their mother to locate them and feed them. This habit could stay with cats until they are adults. They will purr at their owner to tell him/her that they are hungry.
• Distressed: They could also be distressed or anxious.

Where Does That Purring Sound Come From?

A cat’s purr is produced during the respiratory cycle through inhaling and exhaling. On the other hand, a cat’s meow is produced only during exhaling.

The purr is produced through the movement of the diaphragm along with the rapid movements of the muscles of the larynx (the soundbox). The muscles vibrate at a very fast rate of twenty to thirty times per second.

When the cat breathes, the air touches the fast-moving muscles. This results in the purring sound.

However, the sound is originally produced from the brain itself. The brain sends signals to oscillatory sensors, which makes the muscles of the larynx (the soundbox) contract and relax at a fast rate. This process allows the purring sound to originate.

Is Purring Therapeutic?

The great news is that purring does not only have health benefits for cats but it is therapeutic for humans as well.

The purring sound can reduce your stress and anxiety and make you feel better on a rough day. It can soothe your body, thanks to its healing power.

Researchers have stated that purring is an auditory stimulus that people always link to calmness, peacefulness, and relaxation. This allows your body to react positively when you hear a purring sound.

So if you are having a bad day, go cuddle and play with your cat and enjoy the relaxation effect it has on your body.