How does a cat make purring sounds? - briefly
Cats produce purring sounds through rapid, rhythmic vibrations of their laryngeal muscles, which occur during both inhalation and exhalation.
How does a cat make purring sounds? - in detail
Cats produce purring sounds through a complex interaction between their brain, muscles, and vocal apparatus. When a cat purrs, the brain sends rhythmic signals to the muscles of the larynx, causing them to twitch at a frequency of 25 to 150 vibrations per second. These rapid contractions and relaxations of the laryngeal muscles cause the vocal cords to separate and come back together repeatedly. As the cat breathes, air passes through the vibrating vocal cords, creating the characteristic low-frequency purring sound. Interestingly, purring occurs during both inhalation and exhalation, which distinguishes it from other vocalizations like meowing. The diaphragm and other respiratory muscles also contribute by regulating airflow to sustain the continuous purring. While the exact purpose of purring is not fully understood, it is believed to serve multiple functions, including communication, self-soothing, and even promoting healing, as the vibrations may stimulate bone and tissue repair. The mechanism behind purring is unique to smaller feline species, as larger cats like lions and tigers cannot purr in the same way due to differences in their laryngeal anatomy. This intricate process showcases the remarkable adaptability of feline physiology.