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Cats purr as a biofeedback mechanism. What does that mean? Well, in practical terms, it helps cats heal. Vibrations from 20 to 50 HZ have been scientifically shown to help broken bones knit faster, and cats purr within this range. This might be the source of the saying "Cats have nine lives." If their quick reflexes and athletic abilities aren't enough to get them out of trouble, their purr might still help them out. That's why cats purr when they are sick or injured, not just when they are happy.

One thing science still hasn't done is settle on an explanation of how they purr. Cats are still mysterious about that. But we don't need to know how they do it to enjoy them doing it. A purring cat doesn't just transfer their physical healing abilities with the act of purring. They make their people happy and contented, too.

One thing we do know; cats have a voice, and they will use it. They want to tell us it's dinnertime, but they can also tell us there's something interesting out the window, they've just made a successful kill, or that they are glad we are home from work. Studies of cat colonies around the world have discovered that cats rarely vocalize among themselves; they use body language. A cat who "talks" is trying to communicate with their person. We should listen, and respond.

We might notice that the cat has different sounds for different things, and uses their tonal qualities to make up for the lack of consonants in their "speech." That heart-breaking howl in the middle of the night means they are lonely. The inquisitive chirp means they are curious about something. The happy calls when we get out their dishes means full agreement with the proposed activity. If we talk to our cats, this will encourage them to talk more, and use their vocal abilities to tell us what they want. This can help in those frustrating moments when we wonder what the cat wants.

If we say "Show me!" when we get up, this will teach the cat that we will follow them to the area of interest. They will then take us to the food bowl, the litter, or their toy. Cats want interactivity. Being open to what they say, and following up, will create a working relationship. For both of us.

Learn more about this author, Pamela Merritt.
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