Why do cats paint?
For many, the highlight of the day is relaxing in the corner of the sofa with a cat painting on their lap. Maybe they paint so loud that you have to turn up the volume on the TV? Or do you barely feel the vibrations when you scratch it under the chin? Cats paint often when we cuddle them – but why do they do it? And do they have even more fun the louder they turn up the little motor? Let's take a closer look at this cat sound and what it really means when a cat purrs.
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What happens when the cat paints?
When cats purr – this is the vibrating sound that varies rhythmically with their breathing. Just like humans, cats have muscles and vocal cords in their larynx. When air passes over these vocal cords while the muscles vibrate – they create the characteristic sound. Cats can make these soothing sounds both on inhalation and exhalation – so that’s why it can sound like they are purring continuously.
What does it mean when the cat paints?
There is no definitive answer to what it means when a cat purrs – but there are theories. One of them is that the sound creates security between the kitten and its mother. Kittens also make this sound when they are nursing – perhaps to send a signal that the mother cat needs to stay still so she can finish her meal. If the cat is especially happy – it may turn up the volume a few notches – while other cats just purr loudly from nature.
Is a painting cat always a happy cat?
When we hear a cat purring, we usually interpret it as them feeling calm and happy. But purring is not always associated with comfort. Sometimes cats will purr to calm themselves down if they are scared, have physical injuries or the cat is in pain. Older cats can also purr when they are sick. It is not always easy to tell – but if you are aware of the cat's body language – you will be able to see more easily whether the purring sounds are associated with cuddling or not. If the cat is calm and relaxed with its eyes closed and its tail at rest – it is very likely that the purring is a sign that the kitty is very happy with life.
The cat's healing vibrations
It's always nice to know that your four-legged friend is content. If your kitty is calm, it rubs off on us. But are there any other benefits to these loud sounds? That's something that some have tried to find out. Research suggests that there is a healing effect when the cat paints. The cat's vibrations are between 25 and 150 hertz – which is the corresponding frequency used in the treatment of bone fractures and pain, among other things.
Problems with purring sounds during veterinary examinations
Challenges when the cat purrs during a veterinary examination – is not an issue we encounter often here at our veterinary clinic. However, if we need to listen to some organs – the purring sounds can make it more difficult to hear what we want to examine with the stethoscope. This could be, for example, getting information about the heart rate or identifying a murmur. A previous study on cat meowing during auscultation (listening with a stethoscope) – has actually addressed this issue! For those curious – the study concluded that the best method to stop a cat from purring – was to place it near a faucet with running water.
Other cat sounds – variations and meaning
Those cozy purrs are one of the most common sounds cats make – but they can also communicate with other cat sounds!
Meowing
Cats have a lot of different meowing sounds in store – and these can mean a lot of different things. Sometimes your cat will meow because they want more than just their delicious cat food – while other times it’s just to say “Hello!” when you get home from work.
Milling and growling
When your cat purrs and growls – it is a clear signal that it is unhappy with the situation it is in. Your four-legged friend is not purring because it is a bad cat – but because it is afraid and insecure. Perhaps it was surprised by the new friend you brought into the house or frightened by a child's unpredictable movements and sounds? Respect the cat and what it is communicating.
Uling
A howling cat can mean different things. Some cats howl more than others – simply because they are more talkative. If the cat is uncastrated – the howling can mean that it is trying to attract a mate. When the cat howls – it may be a good idea to keep track of what is going on as it can also express discomfort or the beginning of a fight.
Chirping
Have you noticed that your cat starts vibrating its jaws when it looks at the birds outside the window? This is often called chirping, clucking, meekring, clattering or cackling! There are many names and just as many theories as to why cats do this when they spot a bird, squirrel, fly or similar. It can, for example, be an expression of excitement or imitation of the prey.
The cat's communication through sounds
Cats communicate through sounds in many variations, ranging from soft vibrations and loud howls to funny chirps. Through the different cat sounds, they tell us about their feelings, needs and desires. The next time you hear your cat purring – take the time to listen and remind yourself of the unique communication that brings you closer to your pet. Are you interested in everything about cats? Read more in our informative veterinary blog where we write about advice, tips and useful information about our pets!
