What is is about a cats purr…

[Soubriquet]

That’s is so relaxing?

You could be stressed, depressed, sick or just feeling meh and yet a cat can sit on your lap, purr up a storm and everything just feels better

Yes, indeed. My cat's purr is really faint, but one of my foster cat's is so loud, it takes me by surprise. Sadly, she's not a lap cat, but just hearing it is enough.

There's been a number of studies into the healing effect of a cat purring, and apparently it speeds up bone regrowth among other benefits. The latest research suggests it's related to the frequency which in itself is soothing. Google cat purr healing & you'll find loads of articles about it.

Yet another reason to love & care for cats

One of my friends broke both ankles skydiving and tells a story about how all three of her cats came and sat at the end of her bed and purred over her.

Please enjoy this handy infographic all about the healing powers of cats’ purrs 😻

My blond cat got the hang of purring fairly early on after coming to me & had a purr at least seventy sizes too large for him that pretty much made him levitate (& it’s still pretty impressive now frankly). His brother, however, Did. Not. Purr. First time he did it was a funny croaky-rusty-uncertain certain sound; then the instant an actual purr got started the poor wee kitten was so startled he tried to run away from it & shot off backwards, still purring, a look of utter confusion mingled with not-quite-terror on his fluffy little face.

They are both still enthusiastic with their purrs - which are now more in keeping with their size, but only in that they’re about seven sizes too big instead - & often fall asleep on me purring away: snurring, as it is known here.

Snuggly cat = INFINITELY superior to any heatpack/hot water bottle (etc) in this world. Are some issues with using them for respiratory physiotherapy though: judicious application of purring feline to ribcage = excellent for loosening mucus. Felines do not, however, appreciate the human on which they repose then coughing up said mucus, because it involves Moving The Cat.

(Attached image = recent ungodly-o’clock purring + snuggling by both cats. As you can tell from B’s face, it is Srs Bsns & he needs to focus.)

I also read the theory that the frequency is healing

I am obsessed with this little guy on YT, he has the most amazing purr

Like to think he's healing me through the internet

My little cat has started sleeping at the end of the bed, and when I wake in the early hours (which I often do), makes her way up the bed, finds my outstretched hand (which she nibbles and then licks) and purrs really loudly. It's the most soothing thing ever, and I quickly go back to sleep...

Yes, also read the study about the frequency. I also believe our cats can sense when I'm unwell or upset as they become more 'cuddly' than usual with me.

When I was ill with Covid, Mr Cat spent hours on top of me. Once I was up and about again, I resumed my usual place in the cat-cuddles hierarchy (bottom) and he resumed his usual daytime napping spot (dd's bed).