Cat Owners Alert: Purring May Signal Pain, Not Just Happiness in Pets
An accredited animal behaviourist has issued a crucial warning to cat owners, revealing that a common sign of feline happiness could actually be masking something far more serious. According to experts, purring, which is widely interpreted as a signal of contentment, might in some contexts indicate that your pet is experiencing pain, stress, or injury.
The Misunderstood Purr
Liz Marden, an animal behaviourist with over 15 years of experience, emphasised that purring is not a one-dimensional behaviour. While it often reflects happiness and comfort, cats can purr for multiple reasons, making it essential for owners to consider the broader context.
"Cats actually purr for a number of reasons," Marden explained. "Yes, one of them is because they are happy and content. However, it has to be context-specific. We don't want to focus on just one aspect, like the purring, in order to tell us how our cats are feeling."
Purring as a Healing Mechanism
Marden highlighted that cats may purr in stressful or painful situations as a self-soothing method. Remarkably, the frequency of a cat's purr can aid the body's natural healing processes, particularly for muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This means injured or sick cats might purr to boost their recovery, rather than to express pleasure.
"Cats can also purr as a self-soothing method when they are feeling stressed and anxious," she added. "And they can purr when they are injured or sick. The frequency of a purr can actually help with the body's natural healing systems."
Recognising Signs of Pain in Cats
Identifying pain in cats can be challenging due to their subtle behavioural changes. Owners should be vigilant for indicators beyond purring, which might signal underlying issues. Key signs to monitor include:
- A change in activity level, such as increased sluggishness or frantic behaviour
- Excessive licking, biting, or grooming in specific areas
- Alterations in meowing or purring patterns
- Changes in appetite or litter box usage
- Posture adjustments or increased aggression
- Facial expressions like a vacant stare or glazed look
Public Reaction and Real-Life Examples
Following Marden's insights shared on social media, many cat owners expressed surprise and gratitude. Commenters recounted personal experiences where purring coincided with distress, such as after attacks, surgeries, or difficult births.
One individual noted, "Learned this when my cat got attacked and she nonstop purred for hours. Vet said they do it to calm themselves down! I was floored!" Another shared, "The vet told me this after I got my cat spayed, and she was purring."
What to Do If You Suspect Pain
If you believe your cat might be in pain or unwell, it is imperative to seek professional veterinary evaluation promptly. Never administer human pain medications to cats, as they metabolise drugs differently and can suffer fatal consequences from common human treatments.
Veterinarians may prescribe feline-specific pain relief or recommend joint supplements for conditions like arthritis. Early intervention is critical, so consult a professional at the first sign of any abnormality in your pet's behaviour or health.
For further guidance, resources such as the PetMD website offer additional information on feline care and pain management.
