Well children, scientists have two theories as to how kitties purrr... 1)As you may or may not know, cats actually have two sets of vocal cords. The first set, known as the "genuine vocal cords," are what produces such sounds as meows and growls. The second set, known as "false vocal cords," are located just above the genuine set. Some scientists speculate that this set of cords is used to produce the vibratory purr of a cat. 2)The other opinion is that the purr is found in the vibrations of the hyoid apparatus, a series of small bones connecting the skull and the larynx that nominally serves to support the tongue. Since it's very difficult to induce a cat to purr while you are examining his hyoid apparatus, the truth may never be known.
Well, there ya go. As an added tidbit, a mother cat will call her kittens to nurse by purring. This is vital, because when first born, kittens are deaf. They actually feel the vibrations of the purr. Thus, purring is an instinctual act which begins at kittenhood...what a cute word...kittenhood...
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2003-07-15 09:14 pm (UTC)Purrrrr...
Date: 2003-08-10 02:55 pm (UTC)1)As you may or may not know, cats actually have two sets of vocal cords. The first set, known as the "genuine vocal cords," are what produces such sounds as meows and growls. The second set, known as "false vocal cords," are located just above the genuine set. Some scientists speculate that this set of cords is used to produce the vibratory purr of a cat.
2)The other opinion is that the purr is found in the vibrations of the hyoid apparatus, a series of small bones connecting the skull and the larynx that nominally serves to support the tongue. Since it's very difficult to induce a cat to purr while you are examining his hyoid apparatus, the truth may never be known.
Well, there ya go. As an added tidbit, a mother cat will call her kittens to nurse by purring. This is vital, because when first born, kittens are deaf. They actually feel the vibrations of the purr. Thus, purring is an instinctual act which begins at kittenhood...what a cute word...kittenhood...
Hope that was helpful :)
*~Bexie~*