Uncovering the Reasons Behind Loud Purring

Cats are known for their purring, a soothing sound that often signals contentment. While many cats have a gentle, subtle purr, some cats purr loudly enough that it’s hard to ignore. This might leave you wondering why your cat’s purr is so loud and what it means. Is it simply a sign of happiness, or is there more to it? In this guide, we’ll explore why cats purr loudly, what it signifies, and whether it’s something to be concerned about.

Why Do Cats Purr?

Cat purring is a common phenomenon that can occur in a variety of situations. The most common cause is the sound that cats make through the vibration of their throat muscles when they are feeling comfortable and relaxed. This vibration can occur throughout a cat's breathing, so purring can be constant. Cat purrs are usually associated with pleasurable, contented emotions, but they can also be made when they are hurt, in pain, or in need of comfort. The causes of cat purring may include the following factors.

• Comfort and relaxation

Cats purr when they feel contented and relaxed, especially when they are being petted or are in a half-asleep state.

• Self-soothing

Cats may purr to self-soothe when they feel nervous or anxious. 

• Socialization

Cats communicate with each other by purring, and kittens will also purr when suckling, which is a way of showing their mother that all is well. 

• Physiological Factors

The structure of the throat in some cats may cause them to purr more easily, such as flat-faced breeds such as Persians. 

• Health conditions

If a cat suddenly starts purring or purrs unusually loudly, this may be a sign of a respiratory infection or other health problem. 

• Sleeping Posture

A cat's sleeping position may also affect whether or not they purr, for example, they may be more likely to purr when lying on their side or back. 

• Weight and age

Overweight cats or older cats may be more likely to purr due to muscle relaxation. 

• Environmental factors

Environmental factors such as dryness or poor air circulation in the room may also cause your cat to purr. 

What are the Differences Between Common Non-Pathologic and Pathologic Purring in Cats?

Non-pathological purring is usually a sound made by cats when they feel comfortable and contented, such as when they are being stroked by their owners or during warm sleep. This purring is usually regular and the cat shows a relaxed and happy state when purring. 

Pathologic purring, on the other hand, is due to problems in the cat's respiratory system, such as upper respiratory tract infections, foreign bodies in the nose or throat, an overly long soft palate, or other structural abnormalities that result in obstructed airflow. Pathologic purring may be accompanied by other symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, difficulty breathing or loss of appetite. If there is a sudden change in your cat's purring, such as a change in pitch, volume or frequency, or if he or she purrs under unusual circumstances, this may be a sign of a health problem that requires veterinary evaluation and treatment.

How to Know if a Medical Checkup is Needed?

When your cat purrs loudly, you can determine whether medical examination is required by the following aspects.

• Observe your cat's mental state

If the cat is in good spirits while purring, it is usually a sign of feeling comfortable and relaxed. However, if the cat appears tired, restless or shows signs of pain, this may be a sign of concern. 

• Check the breathing rate and sound

A normal purring sound should be synchronized with your cat's breathing, which should be smooth and even. If breathing is rapid, difficult or the purring is unusually loud, this may indicate a health problem. 

• Watch for other accompanying symptoms

If the cat's purring is accompanied by symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, increased eye droppings, diarrhea, vomiting, etc., this may be a sign of a respiratory infection or other illness and prompt medical attention should be sought. 

• Consider the cat's breed and weight

Certain breeds of cats tend to purr louder because of their short nasal structure, and overweight may also lead to increased purring while breathing. If there are no other unusual symptoms, this may not be a cause for concern. 

If you observe your cat purring in line with the above, or have any concerns, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for an examination to ensure your cat's health.

What Health Problems May Be Signaled by a Cat Purring Too Loudly?

Cats purring loudly may signal the following health problems.

Respiratory tract obstruction

Obstruction in the cat's nose, throat, palate and tongue root, where airflow cannot pass freely through the airway, may lead to purring. 

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Nasal polyps or tumors

If your cat has blockage, snot or foreign matter in one nostril, it may be caused by a nasal polyp or tumor, which requires further examination by your veterinarian. 

Pharyngitis or rhinitis

These inflammatory conditions may cause dryness of the throat, difficulty in swallowing or nasal congestion that interferes with normal breathing, which can lead to purring. 

Tracheitis

When cats suffer from bronchitis, they may experience symptoms such as coughing and coughing up phlegm, and these may also lead to purring. 

Also Read:  Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) in Cats

Physical pain or discomfort

Cats may purr to relieve themselves when they are in pain or discomfort. 

Obesity

An overweight cat may snore when breathing, which can lead to obstructed airflow. 

If your cat purrs frequently, especially if it is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, coughing or sneezing, it is advisable to take your cat to the veterinarian for a timely checkup to rule out potential health problems. 

How to Know if Your Cat is Purring Due to Obesity?

To determine whether the cat is purring due to obesity, you can observe and evaluate through the following steps.

Observe the cat's body shape

Obese cats usually look rounded, lack a waistline and have a drooping abdomen when viewed from the side. If the cat is well above its ideal weight, this may be a cause of purring. 

Checking your cat's rib cage accessibility

By gently touching your cat's side with your hand, you should be able to feel the outline of the ribs without pressing hard. If the ribs are covered by a thick layer of fat, the cat may be overweight. 

Assessing the cat's breathing

An obese cat may breathe heavier when awake and may purr or have difficulty breathing while sleeping. If your cat is purring a lot during sleep, this may be due to a buildup of fat around the throat, causing the airway to narrow. 

Consult your veterinarian

If you suspect that your cat's purring is caused by obesity, you should consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can provide a professional evaluation and recommend an appropriate weight loss program and ways to manage your weight. 

Through the above steps, you can initially determine whether your cat is purring due to obesity and take appropriate measures to help your cat lose weight and improve its breathing.

Are There Any Home Remedies to Relieve Cat Purring?

Home remedies to relieve cat purring include the following.

Adjust your cat's weight

Obesity is one of the common causes of cat purring. Helping your cat to lose weight by controlling diet and increasing exercise can effectively reduce purring.

Improve the sleeping environment

Ensure that your cat's sleeping environment is comfortable and avoid them adopting sleeping positions that may lead to pressure on the airways. Try offering different sleeping positions, such as a cat tree or soft cushions, to promote more natural breathing.

Provide appropriate toys and activities

Encouraging more physical activity through interactive play and providing climbing facilities will help maintain your cat's muscle tone and may reduce purring.

Check your cat's health regularly

Take your cat for regular health checks to rule out health problems that may cause purring, such as respiratory infections or structural abnormalities. 

Pay attention to dietary management

Provide high-quality cat food and avoid overfeeding to maintain your cat's ideal weight and health.

Use of humidifiers

Using a humidifier in a dry environment can help keep your cat's airways moist and reduce discomfort and purring caused by dryness. 

How to Adjust Cat's Sleeping Position When She's Purring?

Adjusting your cat's sleeping position when he or she is purring can help alleviate breathing problems. Here are some suggestions for adjusting your sleeping position.

Avoid sleeping on the back

Sleeping on the back may cause your cat's tongue and soft palate to collapse into the back of the throat, blocking the airway and causing purring. Try guiding your cat to a side or prone sleeping position to minimize airway compression.

Provide support

Placing a small pillow or folded blanket where your cat sleeps can help support your cat's head and keep the airway open.

Reduce pressure in the sleeping area

Ensure that your cat's sleeping area does not have excessive padding or pressure points, which can help keep breathing open.

Observe cat's natural sleeping position

Take note of your cat's natural sleeping position when not purring and try to replicate this position to minimize purring. 

By making the above adjustments, you can help your cat improve its breathing during sleep and reduce the frequency of purring. If your cat's purring problem persists or is accompanied by other symptoms of breathing difficulties, consult your veterinarian for further examination and treatment.

When to Visit the Veterinarian?

Cats should be taken to the veterinarian immediately when they exhibit the following symptoms.

1. Obvious signs of pain, such as changes in the ears, eyes and mouth, and abnormal head posture. 
2. Abnormal toileting, such as difficulty in urination, hematuria, abnormal defecation, such as constipation or diarrhea. 
3. Repeated vomiting, especially continuous and violent vomiting or foreign objects in vomit. 
4. Difficulty in breathing, such as rapid respiratory rate, open-mouth breathing, abdominal heaving, or breathing with an abnormal wheezing sound. 
5. Sudden paralysis of the hind limbs, which may be a sign of thromboembolism. 
6. Seizures, especially isolated or frequent seizures. 
7. Ingestion of known toxins such as lilies, onions, insecticides, etc. 
8. Severe pain or obvious signs of distress, such as dullness of the eyes, slowness of movement, always sleeping in a corner. 
9. Sudden changes in weight, sudden weight loss or weight gain. 
10. Changes in eating and drinking, such as decreased appetite or not eating or drinking.
11. Abnormalities in defecation, such as drenching urine, incomplete urination, bloody stools, and loose stools.

These symptoms may indicate that the cat is suffering from a serious health problem that requires prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

FAQs

What are the Physiological Benefits of Purring in Cats for Themselves?

A cat's purr has a variety of physiological benefits for itself. Studies have shown that cats purr after an injury, and the frequency of this sound ranges from 25-150 Hz. This range of sound waves stimulates cell growth and repair, improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation. The vibrations of the purring sound help to treat infections and swelling, as well as assist in the healing of soft tissue injuries. In addition, purrs with a frequency between 25-50 Hz increase bone density and help promote bone growth and healing, while purrs with a frequency of 100 Hz are used to treat pain, edema, wound healing and breathing difficulties. Therefore, cat purring is not only an expression of comfort and satisfaction, but also a self-healing mechanism.

Why Do Cats Purr at Different Volumes in Different Situations?

Cats purring at different volumes in different situations may be related to their moods, health conditions and communication needs. Cats often purr softly when they are comfortable, content or enjoy being petted. This sound is produced by the vibration of the pseudo-vocal cords in the larynx and can be adjusted in volume and pitch by the resonance of the laryngeal cavity. 

In addition, cats use purrs of varying volume when communicating with other cats or humans. For example, kittens will purr when communicating with their moms, which helps establish a sense of security and bonding. Adult cats also purr to each other to express friendliness or avoid conflict. Cats may purr more loudly when they want attention or to express a need. 

In some cases, cats also purr when they are feeling ill or sick, which may be a self-soothing behavior that helps ease their discomfort. 

Thus, cat purring is not only a way to express pleasure and relaxation, but also part of their social interaction and emotional expression. By observing the volume and context of a cat's purring, you can better understand their emotions and needs.

How to Adjust Cat's Diet for Purring?

The best ways to adjust your cat's diet to alleviate purring include choosing a high-quality, easily digestible cat food, controlling the caloric intake of the food, and making sure your cat is getting enough water. Obesity is a common cause of purring in cats, so it's important to help your cat reach or maintain a healthy weight by adjusting their diet. This can be done by choosing a low-calorie, high-protein cat food and avoiding foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates. In addition, offering wet food will increase your cat's water intake, which will help keep the airways moist and reduce the likelihood of purring. 

When adjusting the diet, there should be a gradual transition, avoiding sudden food changes that may cause indigestion. At the same time, your cat's response to the new diet should be monitored to ensure they are willing to eat and maintain good digestive health. Regular veterinary checkups will also help monitor your cat's weight and overall health to ensure that dietary adjustments are having the desired effect.

What Should I Do to Reduce My Cat's Purring While Sleeping?

The following types of sleep supplies can be provided to minimize purring while your cat sleeps. 

Comfortable beds: choose soft, warm beds and consider mattresses with anti-moisture and anti-bacterial features to keep your cat clean and healthy. 
Appropriate temperature: ensure that the cat's sleeping environment is at the right temperature to avoid too cold or too hot to affect its sleep. 
Private space: Provide a sleeping space with enough privacy to allow the cat to sleep peacefully. 
Eye cover: Some cats may need an eye cover to increase their sense of security. Choose a soft, breathable eye cover to avoid compressing the cat's eyes. 
Warmth: According to the season and indoor temperature, provide your cat with warmth, such as a thin quilt or a warm mat. 
Regular cleaning: Regular cleaning of your cat's sleeping area can reduce the accumulation of dust and bacteria and help keep the airways clean. 
By providing these sleeping supplies, you can help create a more comfortable and breathing-friendly sleeping environment for your cat, which may reduce purring. Also, keeping an eye on your cat's weight and having regular veterinary checkups are important steps in maintaining your cat's respiratory health. 

Do I Need to Take My Cat to the Hospital Immediately for Checkups When She Suffers from Frequent Purring?

When a cat appears to be purring frequently, this may be a sign of a health problem, especially if the condition is new or accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, loss of appetite or behavioral changes. In this case, it is recommended that you take your cat to the hospital immediately for a checkup. Frequent purring may be associated with upper respiratory tract infections, foreign bodies in the nose or throat, masses or other respiratory disorders. Prompt veterinary examination can help determine the cause of purring and give appropriate treatment to avoid potential health risks. If your cat's purring is particularly loud or his breathing is irregular, this may be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious condition that requires urgent veterinary evaluation and treatment. Therefore, it is important to take swift action when faced with a cat that is frequently purring.

Conclusion

Loud purring in cats is often a normal and healthy behavior, typically indicating contentment or excitement. However, it can also be a sign of stress, pain, or a health issue. By paying close attention to your cat’s behavior and the context in which they purr, you can better understand what your cat is trying to communicate. If you’re ever concerned about your cat’s purring or notice other signs of illness, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to ensure your cat’s health and well-being.

Also Read:  What Does It Mean When A Cat Purrs