Cheetah, wild-cat, and serval, all found in Africa, purr.
Lions roar, and leopards saw, but neither purr.
Whether a cat purrs or not has to do with the structure surrounding
their voice box.
Good Vibrations
When I’m not feeling well, my cat Busty lays on my chest, purring.
I’m not sure if it’s purposeful on her part, but it sure feels good.
The purring sound is calming and provides a generally therapeutic vibration
for both the purring cat and anyone listening.
What’s amazing is the 25 Hz frequency of the cat’s purr is the same frequency used
in physical therapies to help human’s wounds heal faster.
The other day after an extra strenuous thirteen-mile hikemy dog Zia laid on the floor exhausted and shaky.
Watching Zia’s muscles twitch,
my friend noticed my concern and said,
“she’s probably dehydrated and overly exhausted. “
Then Busty the cat, who has never before lay near Zia, tucked herself against Zia’s belly
and stayed there purring for almost twenty five minutes.
By the time Busty finished, Zia was no longer twitching.
Like a dogs nose for cancer, do cats know when someone needs their purring vibrations?
Even Raccoons purr
A few relatives of the wild cats – civets, genets, mongooses – also purr.
Even hyenas, guinea pigs, and raccoons can purr.
The cat’s purr I would most like to hear is a wild cheetah.
I would also love to hear a raccoon purr.
Which cat purr (or other animal) would you most like to hear?
Front photo credit: Gene Tremblay






From the time of my first trip to Africa on assignment as a fashion model in 1984, to my recent role as Africa Adventures Specialist for the Jane Goodall Institute, I've traveled to or lived in eleven African countries. Deepening my life long passion to nature and animals happens easily in Africa, but Africa remains 

5 comments
Steve says:
Jul 2, 2012
I love the picture of Busty the cat (Is “Busty the cat” her name?) and Zia. I believe that animals are very intuitive and her actions seem to support that. After my own cat’s purr, I’d like to hear a leopard. But, I’m not sure about how comfortable I’d be laying my head on its chest to get the full effect…
Lori says:
Jul 2, 2012
Hi Steve, Nice to hear from you. Busty IS her name. Long story. Leopards don’t purr so you are out of luck on that one. Any other purr requests for the universe?
steve says:
Jul 2, 2012
Leopards don’t purr? Bummer! With further reflection, yes I have some other purr requests but I think I’ll keep them private for now…
Yes I know her name is Busty, but when you write her name it’s always “Busty the cat” never just “Busty”. So does her name consist of all three words? Like “Artist formerly known as Prince”?
lori says:
Jul 2, 2012
Busty- not like Prince – although she IS a Princess and could easily live up to the name ‘Busty the Cat’. So maybe I will make it official as of this posting.
Josee says:
Jul 5, 2012
What a wonderful story about Busty the Healer!
I would like to hear Zia purr when Busty needs it.
Hmmm….