How (And Why) Do Cats Purr?

Cats purr for all kinds of reasons, including communication and healing themselves. Cristen explains how purring works and which cats can't do it.

Whether the topic is popcorn or particle physics, you can count on the HowStuffWorks team to explore - and explain - the everyday science in the world around us on BrainStuff.

[TheLastCurlbender]

My cat is ridiculous... you just have to say hi to her and she starts purring like a maniac. 

[Demovamon]

I watched this vid while my cat was purring on my lap.

[MarsLos]

I love falling asleep with my cat purring next to me. It makes me feel soooo relaxed. I love her.

[brandonmcgovern]

The asymmetry of the triangles on your shirt is driving me nuts.

[MrMacD]

I cant stop looking at her shirt. It's bugging me.

[Roope]

I got a fitness ad right before this video saying "Cat videos won't make you any fitter" lol

[theoriginaleb]

One of my cats purrs so loudly, I have to turn the tv volume up when she’s laying on my chest! Lol

Cats’ purring not only provides healing benefits for the cat, but it’s believed that it also has a similar effect on humans. It definitely benefits humans’ mood and mental health. Who could possibly be in a bad mood with a purring cat snuggled up on them?!? 😸

[darthmix]

It looks like the Triforce threw up all over her shirt

[selahslag]

My cat was cuddling me and purring while watching this 😂

[sempiecush]

So purring is a very soft roar 🐯 and roaring is a very loud, aggressive purr.

[Duddie]

I have two new baby cats in my house. I am wheelchair bound, and they come to my chair wanting me to pick them up, and when I do, they are already purring. It is so Awesome!!

[happyeverydayishvids]

i just adopted a kitten from the roadside, i never hear him purr. Just now after I watch videos about kitten abuse, i feel sad and my tears dropped. The kitten was surprised to see that and he purr.. i feel better after that.. it was the first time he purr XD

[lmbarak]

When I have a migraine my cats lay on me and purr...then I feel better. Crazy!

[cookiesncream]

Tigers don't purr? False... My tiger purrs. Actually he's a tabby cat and his name is Tiger.

[noaaah]

I love when my cat purrs and attempts to bite my leg off at the same time! Makes total sense!

[simhamilton]

I watched this while my cat was purring on my chest. They’re the best arent they 🥰🧚🏽

[kathrynnard]

My 18 year old has larynx issues from allergies, but thank goodness he's improving. This issue affected his purring, but this morning, he woke me up, purring.

[Fotosynthesis]

There is nothing more soothing to me than when my cat purrs when he’s lays on my chest. He usually paws my chest & squints his eyes while doing so. It’s my absolutely most favorite thing to help calm me down 😻✌🏾

[MatthewSmith-tohz]

I had a black cat named Midnight. He was the smallest of his litter, but he grew up to be the biggest and the strongest. He was basically a pint sized panther.

Every night he sleep on my chest and purred. It was the best sleep aid ever. The sound was very soothing, and the vibration relaxed my muscles and my organs.

[danrhone]

Purring from a cat is also good for your health. I read that in one of the books...