Ragdoll cats are a unique long haired cat breed, developed by Ann Baker in North America in the 1960s. They are known for their large size and friendly personality, but do Ragdoll Cats purr? The answer is yes!
Ragdolls are beautiful cats that have a big personality and they are known for their loud purring. My vet used to always laugh every time I took my Ragdoll Huey for a check-up as his purr was so loud she could never hear his heartbeat clearly!
Why do Cats Purr?
When it comes to knowing why cats purr, people offer up a number of different opinions. In most cases when people hear a cat purring they will automatically assume that this is because the cat is content. Certainly, anyone who has the opportunity to allow a purring cat to sit on their lap will find the sound and the vibrations of it extremely comforting.
Astonishingly, kittens are even capable of purring while they feed from their mother! What proves interesting though, is that cats do not only purr to suggest contentment and happiness, something they are capable of doing from only two days old! Cats also use purring as a form of communication with fellow cat-kind and of course, with us.
Kittens are notoriously playful and spend a great deal of their time purring and seeking affection and attention. They are also very clever and may even use their purr to distract you before they pounce.
Unbelievably, one of the other chief reasons cats purr is to suggest fear or to let it be known they are unwell. Cats in feral situations have also been known to purr to communicate to another cat that they are submissive to it and will not be aggressive. A domestic cat may also do a similar thing.
Purring may also be used as a pain and stress reliever while a mother gives birth to a litter of kittens, as well as communicating reassurance and comfort towards her newborns. Studies have shown that cats will purr when they are close to death, creating a euphoric state of mind to reduce fear and anxiety. Contrarily, purring near death may also suggest anxiety.
Another theory for why cats purr has recently come to light. The latest theory suggests that cats purr as a result of the release of endorphins from the brain. These substances are often released not only when the cat is happy but also if they are in pain. So as a result being able to clearly explain why a cat purrs at a particular time is proving so difficult.
How to Get Your Ragdoll Cat to Purr?
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as purring may vary from Ragdoll cat to Ragdoll cat. I only had to get eye contact with my Ragdoll cat Choo-Choo for him to start purring However, some common methods for inducing purring in Ragdoll cats include petting them lightly and stroking their backs and necks.
