A Cat’s Purr Can Help Reduce Stress and Lower Blood Pressure

When a cat purrs it may be doing something more than simply communicating or expressing contentment.

Some researchers believe that the vibrations (24-140 per minute) are helpful for bone regeneration, to reduce pain and swelling and repair tendons and muscles.

However, purring doesn’t only benefit cats. Research has also shown that stress relief and lowering of blood pressure are some of benefits that cats offer their owners. 

A 10-year study at the University of Minnesota Stroke Center found that cat owners were 40% less likely to have a heart attack than other pet owners. 

Dr. Rebecca Johnson – director of the Research Center for Human Animal Interaction says that “Purring is an auditory stimulus that people attribute to peacefulness and calmness. That gives us positive reinforcement for what we’re doing and can contribute to the whole relaxation effect when we interact with our cats.”