Level 1:
Cats make a sound when they feel happy. The sound is called purring. Cats also make the sound when they feel pain or stress. Scientists did a study to find out why cats purr. They found out that cats use purring to help them feel better when they are in pain. They also use it to talk to humans. When cats purr, humans feel calm and happy. Cats are special animals. They can comfort people when they are sick or sad.
Level 2:
Cats have a special way of communicating with us. They make a soft, vibrating sound when they are happy called purring. But did you know that cats also purr when they feel pain or stress? A recent scientific study discovered that cats use purring to release natural pain relief chemicals in their body. Furthermore, the same study found that cats also use purring to communicate with humans. The frequency of the vibrations in a cat’s purr has been shown to have a calming effect on people. It’s no wonder cats are considered therapy animals and are cherished companions for so many.
Full Story:
I’m glad you’re interested in learning about why cats purr, and there’s no better way to do that than by reading a news article that puts it all together. So let’s dive right in!
Have you ever noticed your furry feline friend gently vibrating as they cuddle up on your lap? If so, you’ve witnessed one of the most endearing and mysterious behaviors in the animal kingdom: purring.
Despite being one of the most common sounds in the feline world, the exact reason behind why cats purr has long been a mystery. But recent research has shed some light on this enigmatic behavior, revealing that there may be more to it than we once thought.
According to a study published in the journal Current Biology, cats may use their purring not only to express contentment, but also to self-soothe during times of stress or pain. The act of purring triggers the release of endorphins - the body’s natural pain relievers - which can help kitties cope with discomfort.
But that’s not all. The same study found that cats may also use their purring to communicate with humans. Researchers observed that when cats were purring at a frequency between 25 and 150 hertz (Hz), it coincided with the frequency range that is known to have therapeutic effects on the human body. This suggests that cats may be purposely using their purring to comfort their human companions.
So there you have it - cats purr for a multitude of reasons, from expressing happiness to dealing with pain and distress. And while we may never be able to completely unravel the mystery behind our feline friends’ soothing sounds, the more we learn about them, the better we can understand and appreciate these beloved creatures.
In fact, many pet owners report that the sound of their cat’s purring has a calming effect on them as well. It’s no wonder that cats have been dubbed “therapy animals” by some, as their presence can have a positive impact on our mental and physical well-being.
Take a moment to appreciate the next purring kitty you encounter - they may just be doing more for you than you think. And the next time someone asks you why cats purr, you’ll be able to confidently share your newfound knowledge with them.
Questions:
What is the purpose of a cat’s purring?
How does a cat’s purr help them cope with pain and stress?
Can humans benefit from a cat’s purring?
Do you think cats are good therapy animals? Why or why not? ()
In what ways can people communicate with their pets?
Fill in the Blanks:
vibrating, therapeutic, endorphins, frequency, soothing, unravel, companions, enigmatic
Have you ever noticed your furry feline friend gently ________ as they cuddle up on your lap?
But recent research has shed some light on this ________ behavior, revealing that there may be more to it than we once thought.
The act of purring triggers the release of ________ - the body’s natural pain relievers - which can help kitties cope with discomfort.
Researchers observed that when cats were purring at a ________ between 25 and 150 hertz (Hz), it coincided with the frequency range that is known to have ________ effects on the human body.
This suggests that cats may be purposely using their purring to comfort their human ________.
And while we may never be able to completely ________ the mystery behind our feline friends’ ________ sounds, the more we learn about them, the better we can understand and appreciate these beloved creatures.
Vocabulary:
Vibrating - (of sound or an instrument) be produced as a result of rapid and continuous small movements.
Endorphins - any of a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system and having a number of physiological functions; they activate the body’s opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect.
Coping - dealing successfully with difficult situations.
Enigmatic - difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.
Frequency - the rate at which something occurs over a particular period of time or in a given sample.
Therapeutic - relating to the healing of disease.
Unravel - investigate and solve or explain (something complicated or puzzling).
Soothing - having a gently calming effect.
Companions - a person or animal with whom one spends a lot of time or with whom one travels.
Well-being - the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
