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Here's the scoop: A cat's purr means a lot more than just a content kitty

Sweet, furry faces, young and old, stared out from cages at the PetSmart on Sutton Road in Hoffman Estates as 10-year-old Mikayla cuddled a tabby she wanted to adopt.

As the cat's purring increased in volume, Mikayla wondered how cats purr, and if it only happens when they're happy.

Though some experts believe purring is the sound of turbulence in the main vein of a cat's heart, most agree it involves the larynx, glottis and neural oscillator. Translation, please!

Purrs result from brainwaves telling muscles in the voice box to open and close the space between the vocal chords. When this happens, a purr results every time the cat breathes in or out. This is different from a “meow,” which can only happen when the cat is exhaling.

Most of us equate purring with contentment, which is accurate, but it can also communicate messages to other cats. Depending on the situation, a purring cat may be saying, “Want to play?” or “Relax, buddy, I'm not planning to scratch your eyes out.”

A newborn kitten will purr to let mom know it's nearby and wouldn't mind a little attention.

But there's another reason cats purr that may come as a surprise: healing and pain relief. Many experts believe a purr's low frequency vibrations promote bone repair, wound healing and pain reduction.

Even more surprising? A cat's purr can help heal humans. Studies have shown purring is medically therapeutic for humans and can lower stress, anxiety and blood pressure, and help control labored breathing.

Chances are, Mikayla didn't know any of that as she led her newfound friend into a cat carrier, but the grin on her face made it clear that a purring cat can do more than help heal. It can also bring joy.

• Resources: “Everything Cat” by Marty Crisp and www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries, and www.akcreunite.org

Did you know?

• Domestic cats are not the only felines that purr. It also occurs with bobcats, cheetahs, lynx and pumas.

• Someone who loves cats is call an ailurophile.

• On average, cats spend two-thirds of every day sleeping, and use one-third of their awake time cleaning themselves.

• Unlike dogs, cats do not have a “sweet tooth.”

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