Does the cat open its mouth when it purrs? - briefly
No, a cat typically does not open its mouth when it purrs, as purring is produced by vibrations in the larynx and diaphragm.
Does the cat open its mouth when it purrs? - in detail
Cats typically do not open their mouths when they purr. Purring is a vocalization produced by the rapid vibration of the muscles within a cat’s larynx, combined with the movement of the diaphragm. This process creates a continuous, rhythmic sound that is emitted through the cat’s closed mouth. The sound is often soft and low-pitched, and it is most commonly associated with contentment, relaxation, or self-soothing in cats. While some cats may slightly part their lips during purring, especially if they are also vocalizing or meowing, the mouth generally remains closed. The closed-mouth nature of purring distinguishes it from other vocalizations like meowing or hissing, which require the mouth to open to modulate the sound. Additionally, purring can occur during both inhalation and exhalation, which further supports the idea that the mouth remains largely closed during this behavior. Understanding this subtle distinction helps clarify how cats communicate and express their emotions through different sounds and body language.