Do cats purr because they're "content"?

Indeed cats purr for various reasons, they even purr when they give birth. this fact gave scientists a headake, beacose they say that it's imposible that the cat should feel good during that time. for now the purring remains a mistery.

I'm living with cats from my childhood and I am 100% sure thet they are purring becouse they are content. I had a cat "Macho" (who passed away a few years ago), and he was only cat I know that he could make purring with his own will (not only when he was really content but when he wanted to convince me that he is content and relaxed). I remember when I taked him with me in bad, he was always purring, becouse he knew that I won't leave him go away from bed before I fell asleep.So he was purring and making a trick of being happy, but when I was making like I started to sleep, he stopped purring and escaped in 1 second. I knew when he was "sincere to me" and when he was "lying" (just making a purring to cheat me) becouse his tail always was nervosly moving when "cheated". But that was unique case, all other cats which I saw are purring only when they are really content.

It makes sense that cats purr not just when they're happy & content, but as a way of attracting friends, as that would explain why they purr even when they're sick. I guess it does work too, if your cat is purring you instantly feel like you want to stroke them more and give them more attention. I reckon it's their way of getting your attention and also of keeping it too.

I have also heard it is there way of signaling that they are friendly, or that the NEED a friend. You will get cats that are sick purring, but not because they are content. They are hoping you will be kind to them.

they purr because there relaxed and happy just like the other guy said. I make it my personal agenda to make sure my cat never stops purring! Although i've gotten a few scraches in the process!

I was told that scientists can't figure out exactly 'How' cats purr, but I'm sure cat-lovers everywhere can testify to 'why' cats purr. Definitely because they are content, happy, comfortable etc. Maybe it's a form of communication and we don't know it!

When my cats want attentions and cuddle time they both purr when I pet them. I honestly hink they purr when they are content. I also think it is there way of letting us know they are happy.

Well cats do definately purr when they are relaxed, and happy, but in some cases they purr when they are stressed too. My Sasha always purrs when I take him to the Vets, and it's not because he likes it in the Waiting Room!! I read somewhere once that the purr is a mechanism they develop as kittens to let their Mothers, and others around them, know they are unprepossessing, and harmless. I don't know if this is true or now, but it is one of the things about cats that I think we will never really know.

I believe you to be right about the fact that cats will even purr when stressed or during trauma. It,s the stimulation to the nervous system it seems that cause a cat to purr. There is no doubt although that we humans are content when our cat is happy and purring away in our laps.

Cats purr for several reasons, but one of them is defintely when they are content. Mine always purr when I pat them or scratch their bellies.