Who besides cats can purr? - briefly
Besides cats, several other mammals can purr. These include raccoons, foxes, and some primates such as gibbons and lemurs.
Who besides cats can purr? - in detail
Purring is typically associated with domestic cats, but several other animals are also capable of this unique vocalization. The ability to purr is not limited to felines; some non-felid species and even a few mammals outside the cat family can produce similar sounds.
One of the most well-known examples outside the cat family is the hyrax, also known as the rock badger or dassie. Despite being more closely related to elephants than cats, hyraxes have evolved the ability to purr. This adaptation allows them to communicate with their offspring and maintain social bonds within their colonies.
Another intriguing example is the genet, a small, cat-like mammal native to Africa. Genets are not true cats but belong to the family Viverridae. They have been observed making purring sounds similar to those of domestic cats, possibly serving a similar function in social interaction and communication.
Within the cat family itself, there are numerous species besides domestic cats that can purr. These include big cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars. Even though they do not make the same soft, continuous sounds as domestic cats, these larger felines have been known to produce low-frequency purrs, often during social interactions or when being petted by their caretakers in captivity.
Interestingly, some non-mammalian species can also produce sounds reminiscent of purring. For example, certain bird species like the Common Cuckoo have been observed making a soft, continuous cooing sound that resembles a cat's purr. This behavior is often associated with courtship and mating rituals.
In conclusion, while domestic cats are the most familiar purrers, the ability to produce purring sounds extends beyond the feline family. Various mammals and even some birds have evolved this vocalization as a means of communication and social bonding.