Scientists have discovered the secrets of cat purring

(HealthDay News) — Anyone who has cat Recognize the A quiet, low purr, but, How does such a small animal make such a deep sound? New research suggests so It is reduced to a cushion embedded in the cat’s vocal cords.

This differs from what was previously thought, which was that purring occurred through a A special mechanism, with periodic contraction and relaxation of the vocal cord muscles inside the larynxThis is required Constant control of the brain.

“Anatomical investigations It revealed a unique “cushion” inside the cat’s vocal cords, which could explain how this small animal, which weighs only a few kilograms, is able to Regularly producing sounds at those incredibly low frequencies (20 to 30 Hz, or cycles per second) Much less than even the lowest bass sounds it produces Human voices“The researcher said Christian HerbstA scientist with a voice university of vienna, In a university press release.

The findings, published online October 3 in the journal Current Biology, do not directly contradict previous theory, but are a clear indication that understanding of cat purrs is incomplete, the researchers said. A controlled laboratory experiment showed that the larynx of domestic cats can produce these low-pitched sounds using a Similar mechanism To the human “harsh voice.”

more information

The US Library of Congress has more information about how cats communicate with each other.

Source: University of Vienna, press release, October 4, 2023.

* Kara Morris. Health Day Reporters © The New York Times 2023