How do cats start purring? - briefly
Cats begin purring as kittens, often starting within a few days after birth. This behavior is instinctive and typically triggered by stimuli such as petting or gentle handling, signaling contentment or seeking attention from their mother or caregiver.
How do cats start purring? - in detail
Cats are known for their distinctive purring sound, which is often associated with contentment and happiness. The mechanism behind this vocalization is intriguing and has been the subject of various studies. Purring in cats is believed to originate from the larynx, specifically the vocal cords. When a cat begins to purr, the muscles in the larynx contract rhythmically at a rate of about 25 to 150 vibrations per second. This rapid contraction causes the air passing through the vocal cords to produce a low-frequency sound, which we perceive as purring.
Interestingly, cats can purr both during inhalation and exhalation, unlike many other animals that only purr during one of these phases. This ability is facilitated by a unique structure in the cat's larynx called the hyoid apparatus. The hyoid bone, which supports the larynx and tongue, is connected to the skull by muscles and ligaments. During purring, the hyoid bone oscillates at the same frequency as the vocal cords, amplifying the sound and contributing to the characteristic intensity of a cat's purr.
Additionally, cats can modify their purrs depending on the context and emotion they are trying to convey. For instance, a cat that is content or seeking attention may produce a soft, gentle purr. In contrast, a cat in distress or requiring comfort may emit a more intense and urgent purr. This variability in purring is achieved through subtle changes in the frequency and amplitude of the vocalizations produced by the larynx.
In summary, cats start purring through a complex interplay of muscle contractions in the larynx and oscillations of the hyoid bone. This mechanism allows them to create a wide range of purring sounds that convey different emotions and intentions.