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When your cat crawls into your lap, settles in, and starts purring, they are often expressing comfort and relaxation. However, when that purr is so loud that you have to turn up the volume on the TV to hear the show you’re watching over the purring, many cat owners become concerned.
Cats purr loudly for many reasons. The cat could be purring because they feel content, because they want your attention, or even because they are developing and strengthening their vocal abilities. However, some loud purrs may occur when a cat is stressed, uncomfortable, or attempting to self-soothe, so paying attention to the context matters.
The 6 Likely Reasons Why Cats Purr So Loud:
1. The Cat Is Happy
The number one reason cats purr loudly is that they’re happy and content with their environment. For example, the next time your cat is curled up on your lap asleep, listen closely because the cat might start purring pretty loudly. Your cat may also purr when eating or drinking or when you’re petting them. These loud purrs typically reflect a relaxed and positive emotional state, so you should feel proud.
2. The Cat Is Trying to Soothe Others
Newborn kittens can’t see, so their mother will purr in low, rhythmic vibrations to comfort them and alert them of her location. As they grow older, they may purr during social interactions, which can have a calming effect within the litter. A cat will even purr loudly when close to their humans, which many people find comforting.
For example, some pet owners claim they have had migraines, and their cat climbed into their lap and started purring loudly to soothe them. There’s no scientific proof that this works, but it’s a comforting gesture.
3. The Cat Wants Your Attention
Sometimes a cat purring loudly simply means that the cat wants your attention. According to veterinarians, cats purr as part of their normal communication repertoire. In most cases, the cat is trying to get your attention because they anticipate something rewarding, such as food or interaction. Cats also purr loudly because they want to be petted or stroked or they want you to play with them. It’s important to note that a cat’s purrs for food are quite different from those you’ll hear when they are happy. The “solicitation purr” often includes a higher-pitched element that people naturally interpret as more urgent. It’s quite different from the steady, even purr we hear when a cat is relaxed. And because this special purr tends to get results, many cats quickly learn to use it whenever they want something from their humans.
4. The Cat Is Growing
You’ve probably heard a kitten purring very loudly before. This simply reflects the natural development of their vocal function. Kittens start purring on their own a few days after they are born. The kitten’s bodies are small, so their purrs are soft and high. The kitten’s purrs get louder as they grow
5. The Cat Is in Distress
Sometimes a cat will purr loudly because it’s in distress. Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t just purr when relaxed and content. For example, you might have noticed that your cat tends to purr loudly when you take it for a checkup at the vet. This is because the cat is using purring as a self-soothing behavior during stressful or uncomfortable moments.
6. The Cat Is Self-Soothing
The cat could also be purring loudly as part of a self-soothing response. If you’re wondering how to interpret it, focus on the context and body language. Cats may purr when injured, stressed, or in discomfort, possibly because the vibrations promote relaxation. Cats release natural chemicals when they purr that produce endorphins. These endorphins can help the cat cope with discomfort.
Should I Be Worried?
If your cat is purring loudly and showing other signs of being sick or in pain, it’s time to take the cat to the vet. Your vet can determine the cause of your pet’s ailment and provide effective treatment to resolve the issue.
Final Thoughts
Whether your cat is trying to tell you that it is happy and content or using purring as a coping mechanism, there are many reasons your cat could be purring loudly. If you see that your pet is in pain or has other troubling signs while purring more intensely, it could be time to take the cat to a vet for a diagnosis, just to be safe.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
