I’ve read it several places: Cats purr when they’re content – and also when they’re in pain.
That latter struck me as slightly strange – although I could sort of guess that by invoking the vibe of contentment even when distressed, cats might be soothing themselves.
Turns out there might be more to it than that.
In my happy meanderings around the cat-o-sphere, I’ve been enjoying the Confessions of a Cat Woman blog. Cat Woman posted a link to an interesting article on the vibrational-healing power of purring.
The article asks us to think of the healing problem cats face in the wild. They’re sedentary a lot. So if they injure themselves – Cod forbid break a bone or sprain a knee – they’d be losing out on weight-bearing movement (which assists in bone density) and stimulation of the circulatory system (which assists in soft-tissue suppleness).
Movement can also re-injure, or prevent healing. And it can be really uncomfortable where there’s swelling.
Purring, I now learn from the article, is at a vibrational frequency that promotes bone growth and fracture healing, pain relief, swelling reduction, wound healing, muscle growth and repair, tendon repair, and mobility of joints.
So isn’t it wonderful to suppose that purring might be healing for cats, as well as for us? We know how divinely happy it makes us when our furry friends purr at us. Nice to think they’re healing themselves, too, while they’re at it.
I had one more thought. What if awareness of our own breath is our version of purring?
How else to explain the truly amazing results of meditation?
Following the breathing, serving a similar function as purring.
It’s been my experience . . . . Nothing like it. And – it’s free as air!
Course, I do realize that by enthusing in this manner, I’m shirking my patriotic duty to consume, to support the economy.
Big “HealthCare,” Big Pharma! Tsk, NadBugs! They need your dollars! This is America!
To the GreenPaper Police, I say this:
I take care of my shopping and marketing obligations in other ways.
catself 
I think you’re on to something there! I know when I feel punky I NEED a Cat to nap with me, it just is the right thing to do.
As for Big Pharma, and Big Agro: FIE on them!
Right on all counts as usual, Lounger.
Very interesting extrapolation on the breathing issue. Hadn’t thought of it, but instinctively feel you may be right. Off to browse and see what other interesting things you might think! Mice to meet you too, D
Comrades in contemplation, I see. Well met!
Pee Ess: Love the enso.
Pee Pee Ess: Mice to meet you indeed. HAR!
Pee Pee Pee Ess: Dear readers! Check this awesome thing out!
It took humans long enough to figure that out!
I’ve prescribed 2 long cuddle sessions a day to help with my human’s arthritis, with a 3rd session thrown in as needed. I swear it helps her. (And I feel pretty good after a nice long purrrrrr, too. But mostly it’s for her.)
I’m glad they finally figured out that prescription. Maybe it was your
handpawwriting, Pedro. Don’t change that, tho. Your fans are not supposed to be able to read your autographs.Aw….how interesting. Given the healing powers of purr therapy for hoomins, It would not surprise me to learn that their own purrs could help them out too. I think it could have physical as well as emotional benefits, too. And likening it to conscious breathing is not really a stretch.
I thought it was a reasonable reach. Glad you see things that way too.
I used to have a real ‘scaredy cat’. When I took him to the vet he would quiver, shed fur by the bucket load and purr constantly. It was definitely a fear reaction. I didn’t realise that they purr when they are in pain too.
Oh. Poor little thing.