The motor boat edition. Here are thirteen facts about that most delightful sound: the purr.
1.
Technically, a purr is not a "vocalization." The mouth is not
involved at all. Muscles in the larynx vibrate and the sound is emitted
as the cat breathes in and out.
2. The most common reason why a cat purrs is happiness. A purring cat is the ideal representation of contentment.
3. Mother cats purr after giving birth. Newborns are deaf and blind, so that vibration is how mothers and babies bond.
4. Kittens start purring themselves within a day or so of birth. They use their purr to let mama kitty know where they are.
5. A purr can be a manipulative act. Oh, boy! Do I know this one! My girl cat, Connie, makes serious eye contact and purrs like mad when she wants treats. She knows she's cute and that I find her irresistible.
6. It's kitty self care. Vets report that their hum calms them and helps them recover from illness or injury. I know Connie purrs when she's scared.
7. It's helpful to humans, too. Studies have shown that listening to a cat's purr can literally reduce blood pressure.
8. It's rare, but occasionally vets come across a cat that doesn't purr. This is unique to the cat. Purrlessness is not tied to any breed.
9. Lions and tigers do not purr, but cheetahs and bobcats do.
10. Elephants often purr when they eat. Some believe it's their way of communicating to the rest of the herd, "This is good. This is safe."
11. Guinea pigs purr when they're happy.
12. Like cats and kittens, mother raccoons purr to comfort their kits.
13. Julie Newmar, Eartha Kitt and Lee Merriwether also purred ... magnificently.
Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.
