Can Cats Purr in Their Sleep?
As if they could get any cuter.
In This Article:
What Is Purring? Can Cats Purr In Their Sleep? Why Do Cats Purr When They Sleep? Should You Ever Be Concerned About Your Cat Purring In Their Sleep?
The healing power of purring is real for cats and people. “The soothing rumble triggers relaxation, boosts mood and can help regulate the nervous system in both species,” says Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, the veterinary director at SeniorTailWaggers.comopens in new tab and a pet hospital director with more than 20 years of experience.
If your cat is purring in their sleep, purring might signal sweet dreams, or maybe it means your cat is self-soothing to process their fear of the vacuum cleaner. Either way, you can support them by understanding why they purr in their sleep and when to be concerned (about more than their fear of the vacuum cleaner).
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What is purring?
Dr. Whittenburg describes purring as a rhythmic low-frequency vibration created when a cat rapidly contracts the muscles around their larynx during breathing.
Cats purr for many reasons, including — and most often — when they’re content. But cats can be misunderstood. Purring can also mean they want attention or they’re uncomfortable and trying to self-soothe. “Though it is a sound most often associated with happiness and comfort, cats will also purr when stressed, scared, or in pain,” Dr. Whittenburg says.
Can cats purr in their sleep?
Yes, cats can purr in their sleep. “In my practice, many cats are noted to be purring in their sleep, and owners also report snoring. Both of my personal cats snore on occasion when heavily asleep,” Dr. Whittenburg reports.
Why do cats purr when they sleep?
Because cats don’t speak a language humans understand, no one can confidently say why they purr in their sleep but typically it’s because they’re happy and relaxed, Dr. Whittenburg says. Less commonly, this self-soothing behavior can signal pain or distress. Watch for behavioral changes that signal illness such as hiding, restlessness, tension, labored respiration, and breathing with an open mouth.
“An owner needs to notice the cat’s posture, position, and demeanor,” Dr. Whittenburg says, “Purring is rarely a sign for concern by itself, but other signs can let owners know if their cat is distressed.”
They are not sleeping deeply.
Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS, works with La Petite Labsopens in new tab, a U.S.-based longevity and wellness company for pets. In her experience, cats don’t purr when they’re deeply asleep. “Although cats spend a lot of their day sleeping, it’s mostly not deep sleep but is instead a light sleep state that conserves energy,” says Dr. Woodnutt. “It’s during this state that cats can purr.”
Dr. Whittenburg agrees. “Cats often cycle in and out of light sleep, and purring can occur during these lighter phases. In these cases, purring is usually soft and intermittent and stops as the cat shifts into deeper sleep,” she says.
They are self-soothing.
Research suggests purring functions as an internal wellness tool. The gentle vibration of purring (typically between 25 and 150 Hz) is linked to tissue repair and bone health. These frequencies can support muscle and tendon healing, improve bone density and even help fractures mend.
Dr. Woodnutt says purring also appears to work as a natural pain reliever and stress reducer, which is why cats often purr when they’re injured, nervous, or recovering from an injury. “The frequency of the purr can change and cats in pain can purr at frequencies that encourage healing,” Dr. Woodnutt says.
Experiencing pain or anxiety
Loud purring can be a way for a cat to relieve stress or anxiety. Dr. Woodnutt says you shouldn’t assume your cat is happy just because they’re purring. “I’ve lost count of the number of cats in my consult room with a touch of anxiety that sets them off purring as a self-soothing mechanism,” she says. “It makes it very hard to hear their heartbeat!”
Bonding and social connection
Purring is a cat’s way of communicating their bond and connection with you or someone else in your family (including your dog). Dr. Whittenburg says cats who purr while they’re sleeping with us or other pets are telling us they feel safe and secure. “They tend to do it when they’re sleeping on your lap, as a way of saying, ‘Don’t you dare get up, I’m very happy here!’” exclaims Dr. Woodnutt.
Should you ever be concerned about your cat purring in their sleep?
If purring ever seems tied to discomfort rather than relaxation, Dr. Whittenburg says a visit to the vet is warranted. She advises cat parents to watch for purring that’s unusually loud or constant or accompanied by restless sleep, changes in breathing, or tension. Notice if your cat appears to be in pain when it gets up or avoids certain movements. Hiding, reduced grooming, and changes in appetite are other warning signs. “Owners should be cognizant of behavioral changes,” Dr. Whittenburg says.
Bottom line
If you hear your cat purring while they’re sleeping, the short answer is: Don’t worry. Most of the time, your cat purrs in a light sleep state because they’re feeling safe, cozy, and content — especially if they’re curled up next to you or another pet. Think of it as their way of saying, “All is well.”
That said, purring doesn’t always signal happiness. Cats are masters of self-soothing, and they’ll sometimes purr to calm themselves if they’re anxious, stressed, or even in mild pain. The fascinating part? The frequency of a cat’s purr may actually help with healing and pain relief, which explains why some cats purr when they’re injured or unwell.
Don’t panic over purring alone. Instead, look at the whole picture. Is your cat relaxed or tense? Breathing normally or panting? Eating, grooming, and moving the same as always? If your kitty’s purring is paired with restless sleep, hiding, appetite changes, or signs of discomfort, that’s when it’s worth getting them checked out.
References
Elizabeth von Muggenthaler, “The felid purr: A healing mechanism?” The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Nov. 1, 2001, https://pubs.aip.org/asa/jasa/article/110/5_Supplement/2666/550913/The-felid-purr-A-healing-mechanismopens in new tab.
