Why Does My Cat Purr So Loud?

As the proud owner of an adorable cat, we’re sure that you’ll agree with us when we say that cats purr for a variety of reasons. 

Sometimes it can be as a way to communicate with one another and to reduce stress, while other times it can be used to express how relaxed and content they are currently feeling.

Still, if you have begun to notice that your cat is purring a little louder than they usually do, rest assured that you have come to the right place. 

In this article, we are going to be explaining why cats purr, how to tell if your cat is purring, what causes cats to purr, and what you can do about it if you feel that there may be an underlying issue. 

Let’s begin.

What Is Purring?

Purring is a sound made by a cat when she is relaxed or happy. It’s not just a noise that comes out of her mouth; instead, it is a vibration caused by air moving through her vocal folds. 

Cats make this sound when they are resting, grooming themselves, playing, sleeping, eating, or simply feeling content.

As one of the only types of vocalizations cats make, purring is an important part of a cat’s social life. It is often only used to communicate with humans, but in some instances, a cat may also use it to communicate with another cat. 

For the most part, the majority of domestic cats purr loudly enough to be heard from across the room, while on the other hand, some other types of cats will purr quietly.

It really just depends on your cat’s personal character, as all cats are different. 

As a side note here, it is also worth noting that purring might not always be caused by happiness or relaxation. For example, a cat may purr when it has been hurt or when it is feeling sad. 

So, if you hear your cat purring and their body language seems to suggest that they are not feeling relaxed and content, it’s important that you try to figure out why. 

This is because, even though it is very uncommon for purring to be associated with negative behaviors or signs of distress, in some instances a cat may purr overly loud due to feelings of anxiety or as a trauma response from past neglect. 

What Causes Cats To Purr?

There are many reasons why a cat purrs, but the most common reason is a way to express that they are feeling happy, relaxed, and at peace. 

There are many different things that cause a cat to purr, such as being tickled, stroked, or held by its owner or someone that they feel close with and share a bond with. 

For this reason, it is most common for a cat to purr while they are cuddling with their owners, or even when they are settling down to go to sleep.

On the other hand, even though the most common reason for a cat to purr is to express their happiness and contentment, it is also important to note that purring can also be indicative of other things. 

For example, a cat might use purring as a way to communicate to their owner that it is hungry, or even as a way to let their owner know that they want some affection and TLC.

Is It Normal For Cats To Purr Loudly?

If you’re beginning to notice that your house cat is beginning to purr a little louder than they usually do, then rest assured that there is likely no reason to be concerned about this. 

As we have already briefly touched upon in a point above, purring is one of the only vocalizations that cats frequently make, so it only makes sense that any changes (such as your cat beginning to purr more loudly) might be something that you pick up on.

For the most part, if your cat is purring loudly, it’s pretty safe to say that they are just completely relaxed and content and don’t realize how loud they are purring. 

However, as we have briefly touched upon above, purring can sometimes be used by cats as a way to communicate with their owners!

Perhaps your cat is trying to tell you that they are hungry, or maybe your cat is purring loudly so they can get your attention. 

Whatever the reason might be, this factor is something that you should take into consideration if you are beginning to notice that your cat is purring louder than they normally would, as your cat might be trying to tell you something.

If your cat’s loud purring is something that you feel might be a cause for concern, then we also recommend that you take the time to analyze your cat’s body language. 

If your cat is purring loudly and is laying down or cleaning themselves, then there is likely no reason to be worried.

On the other hand, if you’re beginning to notice that your cat is purring very loudly and are also displaying visible signs of distress, then the louder than usual purring could be a sign of an underlying problem. 

In this instance, we recommend that you take your cat to visit the vet, as your veterinarian will be able to assist you further on what the root cause of the problem might be. 

Wrapping Up

If your cat is purring loudly, for the most part, your cat is probably just expressing their happiness or contentment. 

If your cat begins to purr more often than normal, then it might be a good idea to pay closer attention to your cat’s behavior and body language. 

It’s important to note that purring can be a useful tool for cats to use to communicate with humans, but if your cat is purring too loudly and you feel concerned, then it’s best to consult with your vet as soon as possible. 

Thank you for reading!

Courtney Trent
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