Experts are trying to understand the many purposes — and origin — of this soothing sound.

By Ilene Springer

Cats purr when they are content and relaxed, but this form of feline expression is also used during times of illness and stress.

When your cat snuggles next to you or on your lap and starts that sweet purring, it makes you happy that your feline is content and relaxed. Sometimes you can hear the peaceful rumbling and other times you can just feel it. And when you know that you have had something to do with making your cat purr, it’s a wonderful feeling.

Purring is a natural form of expression for cats. Even some big cats — lions, pumas, and cheetahs — purr. But what exactly is purring? What causes it, and why do felines do it? …

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