What Is Your Murka "singing" About?

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Almost all cats love to purr melodiously, that's why they have earned their famous affectionate nickname "Murka". But even experienced researchers and veterinarians find it difficult to answer unequivocally: why, how and what does the cat "sing" about? Let's try and figure it out

How do cats purr? After all, they do not have a specific organ responsible for purring. Animals reproduce such a sound mainly due to the fact that the hyoid bones, the phrenic muscle and the larynx work, when certain impulses begin to flow from the brain. When purring breaks for exhalation and inhalation, as with meowing, she is not required. Therefore, the feline chants seem to flow like a continuous river.

Happens by itself

A number of felinologists believe that cats purr only when they themselves want to. However, others have suggested that the rumbling is not the cat's desire, due to the vibration of the blood vessels. The nature and volume of purring depends on various factors, including the intentions of the animal, its mood and physiological characteristics. In domestic cats, the frequency of rumbling fluctuations is in the range of 25-150 hertz, and in wild relatives of 18-21 hertz.

When the animal is sick or stressed, the rumbling is quieter than when the cat is happy. It is also interesting that it is practically impossible to hear "moor" from a tiger, jaguar and other big cats, unlike domestic moors.

An indicator of feline happiness and … illness

Many people think that a cat purrs when happy and contented, which in principle is fair. When the animal is relaxed and full, it often purrs. It has been suggested that rumbling is a sign that the cat is not a threat.

However, purring can be heard from the animal during periods of illness or stress. For example, when visiting a veterinarian or while recovering from an injury. The fact that rumbling may indicate such different states of the animal, baffles many scientists, and they continue to look for an explanation.

I'm hungry

Often times, cats are spinning underfoot and purring when you are in the kitchen. This is how the pet communicates its desire to eat. And having received a treat, he continues to growl, demonstrating satisfaction and gratitude. In 2009, scientists from the UK officially proved the fact that cats inform their owners about the need to eat by purring.

Dr. Karen McComb and her team suggest that cats only allow such liberties with their owners. The frequency of such extortion is somewhat different from the rest of the purr songs. Researchers have also found that the tone of the purr corresponds to that of the crying of a child. Therefore, with such melodies, it is much easier for a cat to achieve what he wants, in contrast to the usual meow.

Anesthetic effect

There is a theory that purring helps cats release endorphins, natural analgesics that help relieve pain and relax. This assumption explains the fact why cats purr in difficult situations. According to scientists from California, purring may serve as a remedy to compensate for prolonged rest, which affects bone density.

Indeed, when rumbling, muscle contractions and vibration are observed, which improve bone density. Elisabeth von Mugenthaler, an expert in bioacoustics, even stated that low-frequency vibrations during purring are a natural healing mechanism. Cats are thus able to strengthen bones and heal wounds.

It is often observed that during childbirth, cats also purr, trying to relieve pain and stress. These tunes are also a means of establishing contact with newborn kittens, which in a few days will also purr. The mother cat will know that the babies are nearby and everything is fine with them. Kittens purr more when they suckle milk. And the cat answers them with songs, calming and encouraging them.

Why not to talk?

Adult animals also purr when communicating. However, their songs are of a different character and, at times, not particularly friendly. The rumbling of cats indicates that the territory is occupied by the stronger of them, but the owner does not intend to attack yet. In a reciprocal rumbling, agreement with this and the absence of aggression can sound.

However, the most pleasant purr for a person is when you come home and, sitting in your favorite chair, let your affectionate pet fall on your knees. Such communication also has a healing effect, relieving stress, raising mood, and improving well-being. We can say that the songs of our cute pussies are not only pleasant to listen to, but also useful. So what is your kitty "singing" about?