Research shows a cat’s purr can heal bones and promote tissue repair.

Cats may purr when snuggled in your lap, but the soothing rumble isn’t just a signal of happiness.

Research suggests that the vibration is produced by muscles within the larynx, which dilate and constrict the glottis as the cat breathes.

This results in a sound with frequencies ranging from 20Hz to 150Hz — known to correspond with therapeutic healing frequencies for bones and tissues in humans. Studies find that bones respond to the pressure of a cat’s purr by hardening.

In fact, cats often purr in stressful situations, during recovery, or even when facing death, hinting that the purr may function as a form of self-soothing or physical rejuvenation.

Behavioral experts, such as Marjan Debevere and Gary Weitzman, highlight the varied meanings behind a purr. Cats might purr to express nervousness, communicate with other cats, or simply as a way to encourage humans to feed them.

As researchers continue to study feline communication, one thing is clear: the purr is more than just a simple expression — it’s a biological marvel that deepens our understanding of the bond between cats and their humans.