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Is it true? Could we possibly be under the control of our cats soothing purrs? Are they going to purr us into submission and conquer the world?
It’s possible, according to a recent study. Okay, maybe not the "taking over the world" part but who really knows what our favorite felines have in store for us? Although many animals, including guinea pigs and elephants, are capable of purring (except, mysteriously enough, the lion if you believe the experts), cats are the most well-known for it. Their low rumble is emitted at an amazing 27 Hz, comparable to the lowest note on a piano.
Animal vocalization experts have identified a new purr that cats have created and it’s known as the “socialization purr.” It’s true.
According to animal vocalization experts Anna Taylor, Christian Wilson, Karen McComb and Benjamin Charlton, all purrs are not created equally. The team has examined the acoustic structure of recorded purrs and has determined that one is used as socialization purring.
The newly recognized type of purr includes an embedded, high-pitch cry, similar to the plaintive yowling you hear when they really want something. "Cats have about the right size of vocal folds to produce a cry that is similar to a baby's, so there is a coincidental element," explained McComb. "In fact, the meow can sound remarkably like a crying child, which will be particularly effective with humans."
I say they could have just asked me. When a cat wants something, they quickly learn what will garner the most attention and use it relentlessly until I submit to feeding or waking each morning.
Of course, what I really want to know is how do I get a high-paying job listening to cats purr?
Is your cat controlling your mind with a purr? Tell us about your funny feline.
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