The Cat Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [20]
But many cats also purr when they are afraid or in pain. That helps explain why females may purr during labor and why some cats purr when they are being examined at a veterinary clinic or when they are recovering from an injury. The purring might serve to reassure or comfort the frightened cat, and some studies suggest that the low-level vibrations of purring physically stimulate feline muscles and bones to keep them healthy and actually hasten the healing process. Cats purr right to the end — when my beloved Samantha had to be euthanized due to liver disease several years ago, the sound of her purring comforted both of us as she slipped peacefully away in my arms.
CAT CHAT DECIPHERED
Whether your cat is a fast-talking feline or a quiet kitty, you have probably noticed that she has a wide range of vocalizations. You may be surprised to learn that cats are capable of making about 30 sounds, including at least 19 variations on the simple meow. Here are some of the most common feline sounds:
MEW. This pleasant, high-pitched sound is used to prompt people to do a cat’s bidding, as in “Please refill the food bowl” or “I’d like to go outside.” Kittens make this sound to their mothers when they want to nurse.
MEOW. Your cat evokes this long, urgent-sounding tone to make demands and convey displeasure. The me signals to the owner where the cat is and the ow proclaims, “Look out for me.” A meow might register disdain at overly vigorous petting or indicate irritation when a polite mew at the backdoor has been ignored.
CHIRP. This musical trill comes from the throat and ends in a question mark inflection. Momma cats use it to gather their kittens at nursing time. Directed to a favorite person, this sound might mean, “I’m glad you’re home” or “Oh, there you are.”
CACKLE. Highly aroused cats often emit this ka-ka-ka noise when they spot a bird through the window. Notice that your cat’s lower jaw quivers as he cackles. It is a sound of frustration.
MOAN. This elongated wail of panic or protest comes from a cat who is extremely unhappy or in pain. Some cats moan when they are about to regurgitate a hairball or during a veterinary exam.
HISS. Plain and simple, this sound tells you to back off. It is an early warning sign before a cat defends himself by nipping or swatting. An especially furious cat will make a spitting sound as well.
YOWL. Angry, agitated cats will often erupt into a screaming match if they feel threatened enough to attack. These screeches often precede or accompany actual physical contact. In a non-fight situation, a disoriented senile cat might yowl, as might a deaf cat who can’t hear himself. A cat might yowl in mourning after the death or departure of a companion cat. And female cats in heat will yowl incessantly, which is another good reason for spaying!
The Healing Power of Purring
Q When Groucho, my big tabby, sits in my lap and starts to purr contently, I feel the stress from my day melt away. I’m sure that stroking his soft fur and listening to his purring is good for my health, but is there any scientific proof of this?
A Never underestimate the power of purring — scientists certainly respect that magical motoring sound. Recent studies have validated that hanging around a contented, purring cat can drop a human’s high blood pressure to within normal range, decrease stress, conquer feelings of loneliness, and even bolster self-confidence. About 65 percent of American households have pets, but we are just realizing the power our pets possess in helping us to heal emotionally, physically, and mentally. Scientists are also discovering that cats and other cherished pets possess special healing powers that help people fight disease and cope with chronic conditions.
In his book The Healing Power of Pets, veterinarian Marty Becker describes the biochemical impact pets have on their owners’ body chemistry. He interviewed numerous medical experts who provided the results of many scientific studies that support a biological basis for what we’ve felt intuitively — that people can be healthier