As a breed, Siamese cats have a reputation for being very vocal. They might “talk” to you more often than other types of cats by meowing, yowling, growling, and purring. While we know cats purr when they’re happy, it’s a little more nuanced than that. Cats can also purr when they’re upset, such as when they’re nervous or injured. Additionally, not all cats purr, and some vibrate so softly that it’s almost inaudible. If you adopt a Siamese, the chances of them being vocal and purring are greater than adopting a notoriously quieter breed, but it’s not guaranteed. Read on to learn more about why Siamese cats purr.
Top 3 Reasons Why Cats Purr
When your cat purrs, they’re actually sending gentle vibrations through their larynx with their diaphragm. This action is self-soothing to them, which is why they might purr when they’re content or when they perceive trouble. Here are some common reasons that Siamese cats purr:
1. Your Siamese Might Purr to Express Joy
Basking in the sunlight, receiving chin scratches, or cuddling with their favorite human can make them purr in quiet ecstasy. Nudging you with their head, blinking slowly, or showing other signs of ease can give you extra clues that your cat is relaxed and happy.
2. Purring Is a Common Behavior Between Mother and Kitten
Mother cats often snuggle their kittens and purr as a way to communicate with them, making them feel safe and warm. Kittens can purr back within days of being born. It’s a way to let their mothers know where they are and reassure them of their well-being. It also might be a way that cats ask for food.
3. Research Suggests Cats May Purr to Regenerate Their Bones
Cats may purr as a form of self-care. The vibration of a cat’s purr registers at 26 Hertz, a frequency which has been proven to stimulate tissue regeneration. Since cats sometimes purr when they’re in pain, there’s a theory that they use it to encourage healing.
Do All Cats Purr?
Most cats purr , but the noise volume isn’t the same for all cats because it depends on how hard they’re purring. You may think your cat doesn’t purr at all, but they’re only purring softly. Other cats truly don’t purr, but it’s not known why.
Siamese cats are more likely to be vocal than some breeds. They tend to develop strong ties with their one favorite person and may even suffer from separation anxiety if left for long periods of time. They’ll usually let you know what they need…maybe even excessively.
If Siamese cats aren’t for you, Maine Coons, Burmese, and Bengals are also known as very vocal breeds. If you’d prefer a quieter kitty, Scottish Folds, Russian Blues, Persians, and Ragdolls may purr or meow on occasion but aren’t as likely to give you an earful all day long.
Conclusion
As a breed standard, Siamese cats have a reputation for being affectionate, noisy cats who aren’t afraid to purr, growl, meow, or otherwise communicate how they’re feeling. Purring isn’t always a sign of contentment, so you should try to read your cat’s body language while they’re purring to tell if they’re happy or upset. Every cat is different, so it is possible that your Siamese cat won’t purr at all, or purr too quietly for you to hear.
Featured Image Credit: Witsawat.S, Shutterstock
