Journal of Zoology

Volume 223, Issue 1 p. 67-78

How cats purr

Dawn E. Frazer Sissom,

Dawn E. Frazer Sissom

Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118. USA

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D. A. Rice,

Corresponding Author

D. A. Rice

Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118. USA

*To whom correspondence should be addressedSearch for more papers by this author

G. Peters,

G. Peters

Zoologisches Forschungsinstitut und Museum Alexander Koenig, Adenuuerallee 150–164, D-5300 Bonn 1, West Germany

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Dawn E. Frazer Sissom,

Dawn E. Frazer Sissom

Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118. USA

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D. A. Rice,

Corresponding Author

D. A. Rice

Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118. USA

*To whom correspondence should be addressedSearch for more papers by this author

G. Peters,

G. Peters

Zoologisches Forschungsinstitut und Museum Alexander Koenig, Adenuuerallee 150–164, D-5300 Bonn 1, West Germany

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First published: January 1991

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1991.tb04749.x

Citations: 24

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Abstract

We measured purring in unrestrained intact pumas, cheetahs and domestic cats. Domestic cats, Felis silvestris f. catus, purr at a frequency of 26·3 ±; 1·95 (S.D.) Hz. The frequency at mid-expiration exceeds that at mid-inspiration by 2·4 ± 1·3 Hz. Purring frequency for individuals does not change with age. Purring can occur simultaneously with other vocalization. Two-channel acoustic measurements confirm that the primary mechanism for sound and vibration production is a centrally driven laryngeal modulation of respiratory flow. The diaphragm and other muscles appear to be unnecessary for purring other than to drive respiration.

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Volume223, Issue1

January 1991

Pages 67-78

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Sound production mechanisms in animals

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