Exploring the Mystery Behind Cat Purring: An Analysis by Lavanya Sunkara, Reviewed by Catherine Barnette, DVM, Published on June 23, 2020, and Revised on June 30, 2025.
The Healing Power of Cat Purring: More Than Just a Soothing Sound
The soothing sound of a cat's purr has long been associated with relaxation and stress relief for its human companions. But recent research has revealed that cat purring offers more than just emotional comfort – it could potentially have direct therapeutic benefits for human health.
Studies show that the low frequency of cat purrs, which ranges from 25 to 150 Hz, is similar to vibrational healing therapies and can promote bone growth, reduce pain, and decrease inflammation [1][2]. This suggests that cat purring not only emotionally benefits humans but might also have subtle direct therapeutic effects on bodily healing and pain relief.
Interaction with cats raises oxytocin ("love hormone") levels, indicating an active, positive effect on human emotions and nervous system excitement [4]. This emotional boost, combined with the potential physical benefits of cat purring, makes cats valuable companions in therapeutic contexts.
Petting and being near purring cats has been shown to help reduce human stress and anxiety, improving overall mood and well-being [4]. Vibrations from purring may also encourage healing and pain relief, although this is most studied in cats themselves and potentially applies to humans sharing close contact [1][2].
In some cases, purring can signal a health issue in cats. For instance, a change in the loudness, tone, or clarity of a purr can indicate a medical problem. Loud vocalizations, such as those occurring when a cat is in pain, can signal a prompt visit to the veterinarian, especially if they are concurrent with clinical symptoms of illness [3].
The therapeutic value of cat purring for humans lies in both emotional health improvements (stress reduction, oxytocin release, cardiovascular benefits) and possible physical benefits linked to the vibrational frequencies of purring. This combination supports using cat companionship or purring-mimicking devices in therapeutic contexts.
Robotic cats that simulate purring are used as therapeutic companions, especially in elderly care or dementia patients, providing similar emotional and soothing benefits without the responsibility of live pets [4]. A purr-like vibration device has even been patented for use in therapeutic healing.
It is essential for pet parents to pay attention to body language associated with any sounds cats make. If vocalizations are concurrent with any clinical symptoms of illness, a trip to the veterinarian is warranted [3]. Cats learn to purr from a young age, starting as early as two days old [3].
In conclusion, the therapeutic value of cat purring for humans is multifaceted. From emotional health improvements to potential physical benefits, the combination makes cat companionship or purring-mimicking devices valuable in therapeutic contexts. However, while there is compelling anecdotal and preliminary research supporting these effects, ongoing studies continue to clarify the direct physiological impacts of cat purring on human health.
Note: While there is compelling anecdotal and preliminary research supporting these effects, ongoing studies continue to clarify the direct physiological impacts of cat purring on human health.
- These low frequency vibrations are known to heal bones and relieve pain in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints [1][2].
- A study by Elizabeth von Muggenthaler, a bioacoustician from the Fauna Communications Research Institute in North Carolina, concluded that cats purr not only when expressing contentment, but also "when they are severely injured or frightened" [2]. The specific frequency at which a cat purrs (25 Hz and 50 Hz) is able to promote the growth of bones and heal fractures [2].
- Purring helps vulnerable new moms and newborn cats stay safe from predators who are less likely to detect the vibrations [3].
- When a cat purrs with a high frequency cry, it is often expressing hunger and the need to be fed [3].
- Lions, jaguars, tigers, and leopards do not have the ability to produce the feline vocalization of purring [3].
- Cats' laryngeal muscles can flutter at a frequency of 25 to 150 Hz, producing a low, continuous buzzing that is both audible and palpable [3].
- Purring in cats involves the brain, larynx (throat), and diaphragm (muscle responsible for breathing) [3].
- A study spearheaded by Karen McComb, PhD at the University of Sussex in Brighton, U.K., found that cats often embed a cry within their purr (known as a solicitation purr) that is "more urgent and less pleasant," which is less likely to be ignored by humans [3].
- Purring serves as a way for cats to express contentment and anxiety, self-heal injuries, and get the attention of mothers and littermates [3].
- Purring in cats can serve as a comfort mechanism in fearful or stressful situations [3].
- Cat noises, even purring, can signal a health issue. If a cat is sluggish, exhibiting increased lethargy or tiredness while purring, it is time to go to the veterinarian [3].
The healing properties of cat purring extend beyond emotional comfort, as they are also comparable to vibrational healing therapies that promote bone growth, reduce pain, and decrease inflammation, highlighting potential physical benefits for human health [1][2]. Moreover, the therapeutic value of cat purring is not limited to emotional health improvements, but could potentially provide physical benefits linked to the vibrational frequencies of purring, making cat companionship or purring-mimicking devices promising solutions in health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise contexts.
