We all know (and love) the sound of a cat purring when they’re content on our laps. But have you ever heard a lion, or a tiger make those same relaxed, happy sounds? The answer is probably “no.”
This isn’t just because we don’t often have wild cats lounging on our sofas. The real reason is that big cats can’t actually make those sounds! Why can’t these majestic creatures purr, and what makes them different from our household pets? Keep reading to find out.
What Does it Mean to Purr?
First of all, what is purring, exactly? We all know the sound, but how does it work, and why do cats do it?
Purring is a voluntary behavior (meaning that they do it at will) that domestic cats exhibit for more reason than one. You may associate purring with the idea that your cat loves you and is relaxed and content. This is absolutely true, but there are other reasons why cats purr, too. They can use this ability to communicate various other emotions, including stress or the fact that they’re feeling unwell or in pain.
However, not even all small domestic cats purr, and these vocalizations can sound different and occur at different frequencies in all felines. A cat that doesn’t purr isn’t necessarily unhappy!
The Difference Between Big Cats and Small Cats
How do big cats and small cats differ in this sense? The scientific name for the cat family is Felidae, and this is split into two subfamilies, namely Felinae (small cats) and Pantherinae (big cats).
The Felinae family encompasses all small wild cats, including the bobcat, lynx, and ocelot, as well as the domestic cat. On the other hand, Pantherinae includes all the big cats – tigers, lions, jaguars, and leopards.
Of course, the Felinae family is smaller and built for agility, while the Pantherinae family is much larger and more powerful. Each subfamily has a diverse range of vocalizations unique to its species. One of the main distinctions is that small cats don’t roar, and their larger cousins don’t purr.
The Role of the Larynx and Hyoid Bone
Let’s consider why big cats don’t purr. Hint: it’s related to the cat’s anatomy!
A key characteristic that separates big cats from small cats is the presence of an elastic ligament in the hyoid apparatus below the tongue – a series of small bones that support the tongue and the larynx. This piece of equipment gives big cats more flexibility in their vocal cords, allowing them to roar.
However, this same ligament prevents them from being able to purr continuously as your domestic feline friends do. Small cats have what is known as a “fully ossified hyoid structure,” which is less flexible and allows for a continuous production of the vocal vibrations we know as purring. This is your cat’s “purr box!”
Why Big Cats Can Roar but Not Purr
So, we know that the hyoid structure of big and small cats differs and that’s what controls their ability to either roar or purr. Big cats can roar because their hyoid structure is more flexible. But why do they need to do so?
Roaring is an important form of communication for big cats out in the wild and is even critical for their survival. Roars are loud and powerful and can be heard across long distances – essential for cats traveling in pride who need to keep track of one another. It’s used when cats hunt and can act as a warning or a call to bring a pride together. Roaring can also be used to assert dominance and attract a mate.
Purring, on the other hand, is not a form of cat communication that would benefit these wild animals much. This kind of vocalization is softer and most often used to communicate comfort and other feelings – such as a cat in pain or distress.
Which Big Cats Can (and Can’t) Purr?
However, it’s important to note that this “non-purring” behavior isn’t a hard rule across all members of the big cat family!
While lions, leopards, tigers, and jaguars are exclusive roarers, cats like cheetahs and cougars can still produce a purr-like sound. This is different from the vocalizations you’d hear from a domestic kitty, but is also used to express contentment. Cheetahs are different from other cats in more ways than one – they also cannot retract their claws and chirp instead of meowing or roaring!
Can All Small Cats Purr?
By this logic, do all small cats purr? The answer is “yes,” but that doesn’t mean that they all will! All members of the Felinae subfamily have the throat structure to be able to purr. This includes wild cats like cougars, lynxes, and bobcats. However, the purring won’t necessarily sound the same as it does when it comes from your tabby cat, nor will it always mean the same thing.
On that note, it’s normal for any cat to simply not purr very often (or even at all!). Cats communicate in all sorts of ways – meowing, chirping, and growling. You can even monitor your cat’s body language to understand them. If your furry friend doesn’t purr much, don’t fret that you’re doing something wrong. As long as they seem otherwise healthy and content, you have nothing to be concerned about.
Final Thoughts
All in all, what’s the deal with big cats? It’s not that they’re just grumpy and dissatisfied with everything – they simply don’t have the anatomical structure to be able to purr. Their lack of purring is an evolutionary adaptation because their throat structure focuses on their ability to roar, which serves them much better in the wild.
Smaller cats, who have a sturdier throat structure that allows purring vibrations, use their ability to communicate that they’re happy, relaxed, or even feeling stressed. However, all cats are unique in how they communicate – whether it’s preference or just by design.
