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What does it mean when a cat purrs?

To us cat lovers, a purr is music to our ears. Not only is the sound soothing, but we also associate it with happiness. And a happy cat makes a happy cat parent, right? But while our feline companions purr when they’re feeling content, you might also hear their low rumble when they’re trying to tell you something else. Here are some of the times you might hear it and what it means when your cat purrs.

Is a purring cat a happy cat?

If your cat is purring, there’s a good chance they’re in a happy mood. You might hear them purr as you pop them a tasty treat, toss them their favourite toy or give them a tickle in their favourite spot. However, purring doesn’t always mean they’re feeling content.

What is your cat’s purr communicating?

There can be various meanings behind a cat’s purr. The difference between a happy one and your cat trying to tell you something else can be spotted in their body language. A contented cat might knead you with their paws or nuzzle you with their head, while a stressed cat might seem on edge or agitated. Check out our article about [how kittens communicate] to learn more about their body language. Meanwhile, here are a few of the other reasons cats purr:

To communicate with kittens

Kittens are born blind and deaf and remain this way for the first two weeks of their life. Their mother uses purring vibrations to communicate with them, and the kittens will purr in return.

To soothe themselves

Sometimes a cat will purr to self-soothe - a bit like a child sucking their thumb. So, you may hear the low rumble if a cat is feeling stressed, unwell or in pain.

To grab your attention

Purring is a great way for cats to get their human’s attention! That’s why you’ll often catch them purring if they want snuggles, to play or something to eat.

To get food

Your furry friend will likely purr if they’re trying to drop a hint that they’d like their dinner or a treat. In fact, they’ve got a specific type of purr for this known as the ‘solicitation purr’.

When do cats purr and what it means

As your cat’s purr can mean a few different things, you’re likely to hear them use it at different times, such as these:

During mealtimes

You may discover that purring really picks up around mealtimes. Your clever cat will adopt their best solicitation purr to alert you that it’s dinner time. Then, when they’ve got the food, they may continue with subtle rumbles to communicate that they’re enjoying it – especially a WHISKAS®-lover enjoying their favourite WHISKAS© recipes! A University of Sussex study looked into the ‘solicitation purr’ and found that it sounds quite different to other types of purrs. It’s more like a cross between a purr and a cry - not dissimilar to a baby’s cry. When a cat purrs like this it means they want to catch your attention so you’ll feed them, and it turns out it works pretty well!

When being pet

Pet your cat in their favourite spot and you’re sure to bring out their happy purr. Pet your cat in the wrong spot, and you may hear a nervous purr instead (and feel their wrath!). To figure out the difference, look at your cat’s body language. A flicking tail, or an arched back can signal annoyance. On the other hand, a happy cat will have a relaxed posture and might even slowly blink in your direction (blinking is also thought to be a sign of love!). Of course, you’re more likely to get purrs of approval if you pet your cat how they like it best. Many like being rubbed on their cheeks or behind their ears, while they’re not so keen on having their bellies or tails stroked. Obviously, they’re all individuals though, so it’s all about getting to know what your cat likes and what they’re a bit fussier about!

When sleeping

When cats purr in their sleep it probably means they’re dreaming (perhaps of their next bowl of WHISKAS© Favourites!). This could be a pleasurable dream, but as cats also purr to soothe themselves when they’re stressed, they might purr during a nightmare too. Cats sleeping together, such as a mother and kitten, may even purr as a form of bonding - now that’s cute! Hopefully this has given you a little more insight into the meanings behind your cat’s purrs. Here at WHISKAS©, we’re committed to helping you bring out more happy purrs from your furry friend! In fact, we’re on a mission to find the purr in every cat – even the fussy ones! Check out our Guide to Purrrfect Living for more tips, advice and general musings about our feline companions.

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