Do Siamese Cats Purr?

Written by Katerina Gasset in Blog,Siamese Behavior

Yes, Siamese cats do purr! Just like when we smile, and dogs wag their tails when they’re happy – cats show their feelings with a purr! 

Cats express their love by purring. So, the unique sound is usually associated with being relaxed and happy. 

What many people don’t realize is that purring is much more complicated. Siamese cats not only purr when asking for attention but also when they’re afraid or stressed. 

That’s why it’s important to know exactly what your Siamese is trying to tell you with this mystical sound! 

Why do Siamese cats purr?

Purring is one of many vocalizations your feline friend will use when trying to communicate.

Similar to a baby’s cry, we can never guess what cats are trying to tell us when they purr. The only thing we can do is take note of the situation and make a judgment based on that.

Reasons your cat may be purring: 

  • I’m happy!

    If your Siamese cat looks relaxed – their eyes are half-closed, tail still – then it’s safe to assume they’re in their happy place.  

    When you pet your Siamese cat, that purr is telling you they’re so glad you’re giving them attention.

    It’s also common for your Siamese to purr even when you’re not giving them some love. You may catch them in the beds purring or sprawled out in front of the fire. That purr just means they’re happy, content, and comfortable! 
  • Is it dinner time yet?

    It’s not uncommon for cats to purr when it’s mealtime. If your Siamese is hungry, the purr will sound slightly different to when food isn’t on their minds. 

    If you hear a cry or a mew combined with their normal purring, it’s an indicator to say they’re hungry. They’ve figured out we’re more likely to respond if an unpleasant cry is added into the mix!
  • I’m feeling lonely.

    If your Siamese is feeling lonely, they may purr in hopes to attract your attention. You may also notice them around your feet or following you more often than usual. Show that kitty some loving!
  • Mother – kitten bond

    Purring between a mother and kitten shows they are bonding. A kitten purrs to let their mother know they’re okay or where they are. A mother expresses their love towards her kittens by purring. 
  • I’m hurt or stressed…

    “A purring cat is a happy cat” is not always the case. As strange as it seems, your Siamese may purr if they are in pain. 

    Think of it as a way of self-soothing – like a child sucks their thumb to feel better. 

    Studies show that purring helps cats get better faster.

This may explain why cats tend to recover faster than dogs and can survive falls from high places.

Why Doesn’t my Siamese Cat Purr?

The great thing about Siamese cats is they’re all different. Not all of them purr. That doesn’t mean they’re unhappy or depressed. They may just communicate differently – vocalizations, body language, and facial expressions. 

A well-adjusted cat may feel no need to purr. Or their purr may be too soft for you to notice. When your cuddling your Siamese, try placing your hand on their chest to see if you can feel a vibration.

Cats that were once feral or ones born to feral mothers tend not to purr. They may have been taught to keep quiet in case they attract predators. 

Unless this is a sudden change in your cat’s behavior, there is no need to take a trip to the vets. Looking out for signs such as playing, frequent sleeping, and all-around relaxation vibes will show if your kitty is happy or not. 

Does purring benefit humans?

A cat’s high-frequency purr has been proven to help its owners recover from various conditions. Hospitals use cats as therapy animals too!

Here are a few ways that adorable sound may help:

  • Releases endorphins: in cats as well as humans! When stress hormones are lowered, it can help lower blood pressure, heal, and help people cope with illness.
  • High frequency: decreases the healing time of broken bones, muscles, joints, and tendons, and aid the recovery of infection and swelling.
  • Respiratory conditions: may be eased when spending time with a purring cat. Cats suffering from upper respiratory problems resulting in trouble breathing or dyspnea help heal themselves with their purrs. They can help humans with the same problems too!
  • Migraines and headaches: are said to be eased or extinguished when they rest their heads close to purring cats.

It’s still not known whether this is due to a cat’s purr specifically, or just the joy of having a loving kitty companion!

Why do Siamese cats purr in their sleep?

If your cat is purring while sleeping, it most likely means they’re in relaxation heaven. If they’re napping, it means they’re comfortable enough not to be stressed or hurt.

Your Siamese may not be sleeping at all. Cats close their eyes and purr while they’re cuddled up on a lap or their bed, simply because they’re so relaxed! 

Like us, cats dream too! They could be dreaming about swimming in a sea of tuna or taking a nerve-racking trip to the vet. Either way, purring while sleeping is just an involuntary vocalization about how they’re feeling in their dream.

Why does my cats purr sound different?

As mentioned before, different purrs can mean different things. If you notice a sudden change in your cat’s purr, it may indicate illness. Inflammation of the epiglottis, hyperthyroidism, and laryngeal and tracheal cancer may change the frequency or sound of your cat’s purr.

If accompanied by the development of drooling, illnesses such as oral disease, poisoning, liver or kidney failure may be present. A phone call to your veterinarian will be able to put your mind at ease.

So, do Siamese cats purr?

Siamese cats purr for multiple reasons, sometimes they’re harder to figure out than a puzzle! 

Whether it be due to happiness, stress, hunger, or comfort, at the end of the day they’re trying to tell you something. Taking note of the situation or other symptoms will be a good indicator of what they need or want. 

If you’re worried that your Siamese doesn’t purr – it’s not always a bad thing. Give your fluffy companion some extra cuddles and you may be surprised what sound they come out with next!

Want to learn more about your Siamese cat’s behavior? We have compiled every information you need to navigate through the fascinating world of Siamese cats: Everything About a Siamese Cat’s Behavior: A Comprehensive Guide

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Katerina Gasset

Katerina Gasset is a seasoned Siamese cat breeder with a passion that spans over 18 years. Her love for these distinctive felines has not only led her to breed them, but also to dedicate herself to the rescue and wellbeing of the Siamese breed. Currently, she is the proud owner of two charismatic Siamese cats named Batman and Robyn, whose antics and unique personalities often inspire her work. As a well-established author and blogger, Katerina leverages her extensive knowledge of Siamese cats in her writings. She is the sole creator and owner of SiameseKittyKat.com, a comprehensive online platform that serves as a repository of practical advice and fascinating insights into the world of Siamese cats. Through her enlightening articles, she assists countless cat owners in better understanding and taking care of their Siamese companions. More than a breeder, Katerina is an advocate for the breed. Her commitment goes beyond mere appreciation; she is dedicated to educating others on the complexities and joys of living with Siamese cats, sharing her wisdom with a community of fellow Siamese cat lovers worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned Siamese cat owner or just beginning your journey, Katerina's informative and engaging content is a valuable resource.

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