Hearing a cat purr is so endearing and calming. It may happen that a cat never purrs, in which case you don’t have to worry. If he suddenly stops purring, it is your duty to understand the causes of this behavioral change.
Why is your cat purring?
From the first days of their life, kittens are reassured by the purring of their mother. Purring is their way of communicating. Kittens learn to purr first to communicate with their mother, especially to him ask for food. This is the reason why once adults, most of our feline friends continue to purr when they are hungry and you are preparing their meal.
As adults, cats continue to purr not only to express positive emotions (well-being, joy, etc.) but also when they experience negative emotion (pain, stress, etc.). Indeed, purring has a calming effect on cats. So, when they are stressed or terrified, and even when they are in pain somewhere, they may start to purr to calm down and soothe possible pain. Purring is therefore not only an indicator of happiness.
A cat that doesn’t purr is not necessarily unhappy
You have probably already noticed that not all cats purr at same frequency and as strong as each other. If you think your cat isn’t purring, plan a good cuddle session and place your ear on its side during this sweet moment. Make sure you are not disturbed by any noise and concentrate and listen. Some purrs are so quiet that they are difficult to hear.
Despite your taste buds, you still can’t hear anything? If your cat seems happy (eating properly, playing, cuddling you, etc.), you don’t have to worry! His mother certainly did not pass it on to him the art of purring.
On the other hand, a cat who used to purr and who no longer purrs should attract your attention. A sudden cessation of purring accompanied by various signs of discomfort such as loss of appetite, isolation, unwanted meowing, depression, etc. can mean that your cat is bothered by something or is starting to be sick. In this case, you must consult your veterinarian promptly.
