The Amazing Reason Your Cat’s Purr Is Good for Your Health, Expert Says
The sound of a cat purring nearby can be very soothing, especially for cat owners. Hearing that sweet little “motor boat” sound can have a therapeutic, stress-relieving effect on cat parents. Plus, this sound is more “purrerful” than we think.
Veterinarian Ivana Crnec, DVM at Veterinarians.org, explains to Woman’s World that a cat’s purr may help to reduce a person’s risk of heart failure!
What does it mean when a cat is purring?
Usually, cat purring is a way that cats communicate when they’re relaxed, hungry, or in pain (it can be a self-soothing mechanism).
In fact, research published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America reveals that a cat’s purr — between 25 and 50 Hz — is powerful and beneficial to the cat. This purring frequency promotes bone growth and fracture healing.
The how and why behind cat purring is still a mystery to many experts. “The cat’s purr is a bit of a conundrum — we do not know precisely why and how cats purr,” Crnec says. But, researchers are getting better at understanding the benefits for humans: “We know that the cat’s purr is therapeutically beneficial for nearby people.”
The Heart-Healthy Effect That Cat Purring Has on Humans
The sound of purring typically ranges between 20 and 140 Hz, a frequency range that correlates with lower stress for the owner as well as the kitten. This calming effect contributes to the amazing impact that cat ownership can have on your heart health over time.
“Cat owners have lower blood pressure and reduced heart rates than people who do not own a cat,” Crnec explains. “Also, statistics show that cat owners are less likely to die from heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases.”
Seniors in particular may benefit from this phenomenon. Adults 65 and over are more at risk for developing heart disease, suffering from a heart attack, or having a stroke compared to younger people.
So, think of your cat’s purr as an “invisible shield”, protecting you against stress and heart troubles down the line!
What does this mean for you?
If you are a cat owner, this news gives you all the more reason to enjoy a comforting purr. And if you don’t already own a cat, the heart health benefits of cat ownership might convince you otherwise.
Just be sure to check that you’re not allergic and you have the space to accommodate a furry friend in your home.
Want to learn about the other interesting ways that cats communicate? Read our other stories on the meaning behind various types of cat meows and the signs behind your kitten’s different ear positions.
