The Purrrfect Companion

We all use different techniques to rest our body and mind; to de-stress especially during trying times. Some techniques include soaking in a warm bath, listening to soothing music or mindful meditation. It’s really an individual choice. Being a cat owner can be another source of relaxation, especially when listening and feeling the gentle purr of your cat on your lap. A cat can purr at a constant frequency, about 25-150 Hertz, thus enabling human hearing and the ability to feel the purr vibrations.

Kittens are born blind and deaf.?Their eyes will not open until two weeks of age, and even then their eyesight will be blurry for at least another week. It is during this time that a kitten will remain close to its mother and the litter. It is also two weeks before a cat’s ears begin to open, but clarity of sound will not be enabled until it is closer to four weeks of age. It is the vibration of the mother’s purr that aids in guiding kittens as to when it is feeding time.

So, how exactly does a feline illicit a purr? According to research,?the purring emanates from the animal’s larynx. When breathing, the area around their vocal cord, the glottis, dilates and constricts in a rapid rhythmic manner. As air vibrates over the larynx muscles, purring occurs.

But have you ever wondered why cats purr? It is not only a simple sign of your pet being happy and wanting to be stroked further – a sign of contentment as most will assume. Cats purr for other reasons as well. These reasons may include as a means of communication, self-soothing or perhaps as a form of healing after an injury, stressful event or bone repair.

Research indicates that a low-frequency vibration of the purr can stimulate healing, particularly in relation to bones and tendons. In fact, low-frequency vibrations have been utilized in humans as a means for bone growth stimulation and increased muscle strength.

When referring to injury from a stressful event, a 2001 study published in The Journal of Acoustical Society of America indicated that?cats purr at frequencies that are effective enough to enable pain relief and bone repair.

So, how can you discern if your feline is stressed or anxious; how does the purring differ? The purr differs in that it will be of a slightly higher pitch with accompanying panting or showing of teeth. It is more of an intentional purr compared to a contentment purr.

Your feline companion may also purr upon greeting another familiar cat. It is a way to communicate and greet. What they are communicating is not entirely understood, but it could be a?means to let another feline know?that they are friendly and approachable and don’t present a threat.

Being a cat owner carries its own benefits. Any physical contact with your pet can be a good means of soothing your own anxiety and emotional turmoil. Petting your pet lowers one’s heart rate, lends to deep breathing and will increase the brain’s release of feel-good hormones (dopamine).

Cats love you back unconditionally. And if you’re a woman, several studies in the United Kingdom discovered that?most women sleep better with their pet?rather than a human, preferring their pet’s company in bed.

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