Garoo

After I watched a TV piece exposing a theory I didn’t buy, I tried Google for an answer, and found out there is no universally accepted explanation for cat purr. There are theories, some of which are a century old, but it seems like no study has given a firm and definitive answer. In 2003, we wouldn’t know how one of the animals closest to man produces a sound we’re all familiar with? Nobody has put a cat in a CAT scan to see which part of their body produces the vibration?

A paragraph I found begins with Recent research suggests…, which is a good sign—but I’m still moderately convinced by the idea of ligaments between the clavicle and the throat, purring permanently, only at a varying volume. Actually, it should imply that the volume would be linked with the cat’s position, which I don’t think it is.

The other theories? A vibrating vein (?!), vocal cords contracting in a particular way (that’s the one I didn’t buy in the first place), or the larynx and diaphragm vibrating in concert. I, personally, vote larynx, that’s the one I like most.

On this topic, an interesting piece of information: the purr’s low frequencies would help cats heal their wounds, and would strengthen their skeleton. I say someone should market purring beds. That could quite work. Or health insurance should pay for vibrators. Could be nice, too.