One of our most frequently asked
questions on our social networking sites
and on our tours is do Big Cats like
Tigers and Lions purr? This is a
long-standing question and there's quite
a bit of debate over this topic within
the scientific community. For many
species the data is either lacking or
inconclusive and no definitive statement
can really be made. Approximately 15
species of wild cat can purr;
this includes lynx, servals, bobcats,
caracals, ocelots, cheetahs and cougars.
Some say that the greater cats; lions,
tigers, leopards, and jaguars, can roar,
but are unable to, while something that
lesser cats, which is every other species,
including domestic cats, can purr but
cannot roar. Each of these theories
revolve around the hyoid bone which
connects the tongue to the roof of the
mouth. In the greater cats this bone is
flexible which allows them to roar but
this also prevents them purring. But in
the lesser cats the hyoid bone is solid which is why
they can't roar but they can purr.
Snow leopards are an exception to
these theories because they do have a
flexible hyoid bone but have never been heard to roar.
Others believe the tigers, lions,
leopards, and jaguars can purr; but they
can only do so on exhale. Which then
creates another debate about what
exactly a true purr is? Some say that a true purr
can only be produced when the cat inhales
as well as when it exhales.
While everyone knows that cats purr when
they're content and happy many people
are unaware that cats purr for other
reasons such as during traumatic moments,
when suddenly and violently injured, even
at moments near death, the cat will often purr.
Another interesting fact is the
measurable hertz of a cats purr lies
between twenty-five and hundred and
fifty which coincidentally is the same
sound frequency range that has been
documented to stimulate bone growth and
healing. Some experts even suggest that
purring releases endorphins that reduce
pain while healing when injured.
So to summarize, yes big cats do purr. The
largest species that we know of is the
cougar, Cheetahs also purr, but Cougars can
grow to a heavier weight.
Some say tigers, lions, leopards, and
jaguars can purr but only while exhaling.
We know they're capable of making other
noises, including roaring, chuffing, and
miscellaneous but none of our keepers
have ever heard any of our greater cats
purr. This topic will probably be debated
for years to come.
So what do you think?
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