Why Do Cats Purr? Your Cat Questions Answered!

Your cat is curled up on your lap, eyes half closed, rumbling away like a tiny engine that refuses to switch off, even when you try to get up.

But what is that noise? And while we’re at it, why do cats knead blankets, sleep all day, and lick you with a tongue that's been in all sorts of weird and wonderful places?

Here's a bunch of fast, fun answers to some purrfectly good questions - pun intended!

Why Do Cats Purr?

Purring is one of nature’s best mysteries, and scientists are still working it out.

How they do it: In 2023, scientists found that air flowing through a cat’s voice box could make purr-like vibrations without any nerve signals. Special pads inside the vocal folds seem to help make those low, rumbly sounds.

Purring when you pet them: Usually a good sign they’re enjoying it. But check the rest of the cat too. Twitching tail, flattened ears? Time to stop.

Purring loudly: Some cats are just louder than others. A loud purr doesn’t always mean an extra-happy cat.

Why Do Cats Meow at Us?

Here’s a weird one: grown-up cats hardly ever meow at each other.

Kittens meow to get their mom’s attention. As adults, cats mostly save their meows for us, because they’ve learned it gets results. Food, cuddles, the door opened, the door shut again.

Meowing at night: They may be hungry, bored or want company. If your cat suddenly starts meowing much more than usual, ask a vet, especially if they’re older.

Why Do Cats Make Biscuits?

The bakery is open. No biscuits will be served.

“Making biscuits” is when a cat pushes its paws in and out on a blanket, a pillow or your tummy, like kneading dough.

It starts when they’re tiny kittens. Kittens knead their mom while feeding to help the milk flow. Lots of cats keep doing it as adults, usually when they’re feeling cozy and settled.

Do Cats Fart?

Yes. Yes, they do.

Cats have gas just like people, especially if they eat something that doesn’t agree with them. Most cat farts are quiet (sneaky!), so you might only notice the smell.

If your cat suddenly gets much gassier, or it keeps happening, ask a vet, especially if there’s diarrhea, vomiting or tummy discomfort too.

And what about hairballs? Cats’ tongues are covered in tiny backward-facing hooks, so when they groom, they swallow lots of loose hair. Most of it passes straight through and comes out the other end. But cats can’t digest hair, so some can clump together in the stomach and get vomited back up. Hack, hack, splat.

An occasional hairball is normal. If your cat brings them up often, ask a vet. If it keeps retching with nothing coming out, contact a vet promptly.

For more animals with strange habits, meet the fainting goats that topple over when they’re startled.

Quick-Fire Cat Facts

Can Cats Eat That?

These answers are for healthy cats. Their main meals should be complete, balanced cat food, and all treats together should provide no more than about 10% of their daily calories. Always ask your vet if your cat has a health problem or special diet.

Record-Breaking Cats

The longest: Stewie, a Maine Coon from the US, was just over 4 feet (123 cm) long, nose to tail tip. Guinness World Records still lists him as the longest house cat ever. He died in 2013.

The heaviest: Himmy, from Australia, weighed about 47 pounds (21.3 kg) when he died in 1986. Guinness stopped this record in 1998 so people wouldn’t overfeed their pets to beat it.

The heavyweight hybrid: In 2013, Guinness listed Hercules the liger as the largest living cat, at a whopping 922 pounds (418.2 kg). A liger has a lion dad and a tiger mom, and it’s definitely not a house cat.

For more giants, meet the heaviest land animals ever.

Are House Cats Related to Lions?

Yes, in a way. House cats and lions are both members of the cat family. But your cat didn’t come from lions. Its wild ancestor is the African wildcat, which people started living alongside thousands of years ago.

So next time your cat stalks a toy mouse, you’re watching a tiny wild hunter at work. To see its big cousins in action, watch Africa’s Big Five live.

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