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The healing power of a cat’s purr

We explore why a cat purrs, how this can benefit our mental and physical health, and most importantly – whether a cat’s purr can help to heal our bones.
cat looking at camera with head tilted to the side on blue background

The soothing sound of a cat’s purr has long been associated with comfort and calm, but could there be more to this feline phenomenon than we realise? 

Research reveals that the low-intensity vibrations produced by a cat’s purr could have secret remedial properties for humans, having the ability to promote bone health and support the body’s natural healing processes. 

The soothing sound of a cat’s purr has long been associated with comfort and calm, but could there be more to this feline phenomenon than we realise? 

Research reveals that the low-intensity vibrations produced by a cat’s purr could have secret remedial properties for humans, having the ability to promote bone health and support the body’s natural healing processes. 

The science of a cat's purr

A cat’s purr is a soft, low-frequency sound. Cats create this sound by rapidly contracting and relaxing their larynx, also known as the voice box, and their diaphragm. This produces a rhythmic purr at a frequency between 25 and 150 Hz.

ginger cat asleep in grey cat bed

The science of a cat's purr

A cat’s purr is a soft, low-frequency sound. Cats create this sound by rapidly contracting and relaxing their larynx, also known as the voice box, and their diaphragm. This produces a rhythmic purr at a frequency between 25 and 150 Hz.

ginger cat asleep in grey cat bed
cat lying on cat tree

Why do cats purr?

It is generally believed that cats purr when they are content, happy, or trying to communicate with each other or their owners. However, cats also purr when they are stressed, injured, or in pain, suggesting that purring may serve several functions in feline physiology. 

Studies indicate that a cat’s purr acts as a survival mechanism, promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation in times of illness or injury. What’s more, when compared to their domestic counterpart, dogs, it’s widely documented that cats do not exhibit as many muscle and bone abnormalities1. 

In fact, research found that the frequency of a cat’s purr is the exact frequency needed to stimulate bone and muscle growth and renewal2, and these benefits may extend to cat owners too.

cat lying on cat tree

Why do cats purr?

It is generally believed that cats purr when they are content, happy, or trying to communicate with each other or their owners. However, cats also purr when they are stressed, injured, or in pain, suggesting that purring may serve several functions in feline physiology. 

Studies indicate that a cat’s purr acts as a survival mechanism, promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation in times of illness or injury. What’s more, when compared to their domestic counterpart, dogs, it’s widely documented that cats do not exhibit as many muscle and bone abnormalities1. 

In fact, research found that the frequency of a cat’s purr is the exact frequency needed to stimulate bone and muscle growth and renewal2, and these benefits may extend to cat owners too.

Benefits of a cat's purr to humans

Bone and muscle health

Studies reveal that the frequencies at which a cat purrs can encourage bone growth and repair by stimulating cells responsible for bone formation3. This enhances bone healing and reduces recovery time after injury. 

Pain relief

Cats are known to purr when they are injured or in pain, suggesting that this behaviour might help them manage discomfort naturally. 

Studies indicate that vibration within the frequencies of a cat’s purr can reduce chronic pain in humans, particularly in cases of lower back pain4 and fibromyalgia5. 

Reduced inflammation

It has been demonstrated that the frequency of the vibrations produced by a cat’s purr can aid in wound healing and inflammation reduction6. This is why you might notice your cat purring more when they’re recovering from injury or illness. 

In humans, vibrations within this range are shown to significantly reduce inflammation and accelerate healing of soft tissues7,8, particularly in models of diabetes9. 

ash coloured cat sits on sofa while a grey cat jumps between the sofa and a chair

Benefits of a cat's purr to humans

Bone and muscle health

Studies reveal that the frequencies at which a cat purrs can encourage bone growth and repair by stimulating cells responsible for bone formation3. This enhances bone healing and reduces recovery time after injury. 

Pain relief

Cats are known to purr when they are injured or in pain, suggesting that this behaviour might help them manage discomfort naturally. 

Studies indicate that vibration within the frequencies of a cat’s purr can reduce chronic pain in humans, particularly in cases of lower back pain4 and fibromyalgia5. 

Reduced inflammation

It has been demonstrated that the frequency of the vibrations produced by a cat’s purr can aid in wound healing and inflammation reduction6. This is why you might notice your cat purring more when they’re recovering from injury or illness. 

In humans, vibrations within this range are shown to significantly reduce inflammation and accelerate healing of soft tissues7,8, particularly in models of diabetes9. 

ash coloured cat sits on sofa while a grey cat jumps between the sofa and a chair
cat lying on floor looking at camera

Reduced stress

The soothing sound of a purr has been shown to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system10, which helps the body to rest, digest and restore itself, counteracting our fight or flight response. This response is known to reduce cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, thereby lowering blood pressure and heart rate11. 

Improved respiratory health

The vibrational frequency of a cat’s purr may also play a role in improving respiratory function. Studies have shown that vibration can reduce respiratory distress in people with COPD by improving oxygenation and reducing airway resistance12,13.

Emotional healing and companionship

Cats are well-known for their calming effect on people and are increasingly used as therapy animals. Their purring provides a form of non-verbal communication that many people find comforting, creating a sense of companionship and connection14.

Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke

Research shows that owning a cat can reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease by as much as 40%15. This protective effect may come from the calming, stress-relieving effects of interacting with a purring cat, which helps lower blood pressure and heart rate.

cat lying on floor looking at camera

Reduced stress

The soothing sound of a purr has been shown to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system10, which helps the body to rest, digest and restore itself, counteracting our fight or flight response. This response is known to reduce cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, thereby lowering blood pressure and heart rate11. 

Improved respiratory health

The vibrational frequency of a cat’s purr may also play a role in improving respiratory function. Studies have shown that vibration can reduce respiratory distress in people with COPD by improving oxygenation and reducing airway resistance12,13.

Emotional healing and companionship

Cats are well-known for their calming effect on people and are increasingly used as therapy animals. Their purring provides a form of non-verbal communication that many people find comforting, creating a sense of companionship and connection14.

Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke

Research shows that owning a cat can reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease by as much as 40%15. This protective effect may come from the calming, stress-relieving effects of interacting with a purring cat, which helps lower blood pressure and heart rate.

From protecting bone health to reducing stress and improving emotional wellbeing, the purring sound of a cat could be a powerful form of natural therapy. 

So, the next time your cat curls up beside you, take a moment to appreciate not just the comforting sound, but the health benefits that may come with it.

From protecting bone health to reducing stress and improving emotional wellbeing, the purring sound of a cat could be a powerful form of natural therapy. 

So, the next time your cat curls up beside you, take a moment to appreciate not just the comforting sound, but the health benefits that may come with it.

References

  1. Sullivan, K. (2006) ‘Why do cats purr?’, Scientific American. Available at: www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-cats-purr/ 
  2. Rubin, C.T., & Lanyon, L.E. (1984). Regulation of bone formation by applied dynamic loads. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 66(3), 397-402. 
  3. Rubin, C.T., et al. (2004). Prevention of postmenopausal bone loss by a low-magnitude, high-frequency mechanical stimulus: a clinical trial assessing compliance, efficacy, and safety. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 19(3), 343-351. 
  4. Remer, F., Keilani, M., Kull, P. et al. (2023). Effects of whole-body vibration therapy on pain, functionality, postural stability, and proprioception in patients with subacute and chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review. Wien Med Wochenschr. 
  5. Alentorn-Geli E, Padilla J, Moras G, Lázaro Haro C, Fernández-Solà J. (2008). Six weeks of whole-body vibration exercise improves pain and fatigue in women with fibromyalgia. J Altern Complement Med. 14(8):975-81.
  6. VBVH, (2023). ‘The therapeutic benefits of a cat’s purr’, VBVH Blog. Available at: vbvh.net/blog/the-therapeutic-benefits-of-a-cats-purr/ 
  7. Moreira-Marconi E, et al. (2022). Inflammatory Biomarker Responses to Whole-Body Vibration in Subjects with Different Clinical Status: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 19(22):14853.
  8. Rodriguez-Miguelez P, et al. (2015). Whole-body vibration improves the anti-inflammatory status in elderly subjects through toll-like receptor 2 and 4 signaling pathways. Mech Ageing Dev. 150:12-9.
  9. Weinheimer-Haus EM, Judex S, Ennis WJ, Koh TJ. (2014). Low-intensity vibration improves angiogenesis and wound healing in diabetic mice. PLoS One. 9(3):e91355.
  10. My Pet Nutritionist (2021) ‘Can cats improve our health?’, My Pet Nutritionist Blog. Available at: mypetnutritionist.com/post/can-cats-improve-our-health/ 
  11. Allen K, Blascovich J, Mendes WB. (2002). Cardiovascular reactivity and the presence of pets, friends, and spouses: the truth about cats and dogs. Psychosom Med. 64(5):727-39.
  12. Zhou J, et al. (2018). Whole-body vibration training – better care for COPD patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 13:3243-3254.
  13. Sá-Caputo D, et al. (2016). Benefits of Whole-Body Vibration, as a Component of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation, in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Narrative Review with a Suitable Approach. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2560710.
  14. Friedman, E., Katcher, A.H., Lynch, J.J. and Thomas, S.A., (1983). Animal companions and one-year survival of patients after discharge from a coronary care unit. Public Health Reports, 95(4), pp.307-312.
  15. Qureshi, A.I., Memon, M.Z., Vazquez, G. and Suri, M.F.K., (2009). Cat ownership and the risk of fatal cardiovascular diseases. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, 2(1), pp.132-135.

References

  1. Sullivan, K. (2006) ‘Why do cats purr?’, Scientific American. Available at: www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-cats-purr/ 
  2. Rubin, C.T., & Lanyon, L.E. (1984). Regulation of bone formation by applied dynamic loads. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 66(3), 397-402. 
  3. Rubin, C.T., et al. (2004). Prevention of postmenopausal bone loss by a low-magnitude, high-frequency mechanical stimulus: a clinical trial assessing compliance, efficacy, and safety. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 19(3), 343-351. 
  4. Remer, F., Keilani, M., Kull, P. et al. (2023). Effects of whole-body vibration therapy on pain, functionality, postural stability, and proprioception in patients with subacute and chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review. Wien Med Wochenschr. 
  5. Alentorn-Geli E, Padilla J, Moras G, Lázaro Haro C, Fernández-Solà J. (2008). Six weeks of whole-body vibration exercise improves pain and fatigue in women with fibromyalgia. J Altern Complement Med. 14(8):975-81.
  6. VBVH, (2023). ‘The therapeutic benefits of a cat’s purr’, VBVH Blog. Available at: vbvh.net/blog/the-therapeutic-benefits-of-a-cats-purr/ 
  7. Moreira-Marconi E, et al. (2022). Inflammatory Biomarker Responses to Whole-Body Vibration in Subjects with Different Clinical Status: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 19(22):14853.
  8. Rodriguez-Miguelez P, et al. (2015). Whole-body vibration improves the anti-inflammatory status in elderly subjects through toll-like receptor 2 and 4 signaling pathways. Mech Ageing Dev. 150:12-9.
  9. Weinheimer-Haus EM, Judex S, Ennis WJ, Koh TJ. (2014). Low-intensity vibration improves angiogenesis and wound healing in diabetic mice. PLoS One. 9(3):e91355.
  10. My Pet Nutritionist (2021) ‘Can cats improve our health?’, My Pet Nutritionist Blog. Available at: mypetnutritionist.com/post/can-cats-improve-our-health/ 
  11. Allen K, Blascovich J, Mendes WB. (2002). Cardiovascular reactivity and the presence of pets, friends, and spouses: the truth about cats and dogs. Psychosom Med. 64(5):727-39.
  12. Zhou J, et al. (2018). Whole-body vibration training – better care for COPD patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 13:3243-3254.
  13. Sá-Caputo D, et al. (2016). Benefits of Whole-Body Vibration, as a Component of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation, in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Narrative Review with a Suitable Approach. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2560710.
  14. Friedman, E., Katcher, A.H., Lynch, J.J. and Thomas, S.A., (1983). Animal companions and one-year survival of patients after discharge from a coronary care unit. Public Health Reports, 95(4), pp.307-312.
  15. Qureshi, A.I., Memon, M.Z., Vazquez, G. and Suri, M.F.K., (2009). Cat ownership and the risk of fatal cardiovascular diseases. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, 2(1), pp.132-135.

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