What does it mean when a cat makes purring sounds?

There is no specific meaning behind a cat making purring sounds. It could be due to various reasons such as releasing tension, hunger, gastroenteritis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and more.

1. Releasing tension: If the cat is suddenly exposed to a new environment, it may become tense and express its emotions through purring. In this case, the purring is a normal phenomenon and there is no need for excessive worry. If there are other adverse reactions, such as coughing, expectoration, indigestion, etc., it is recommended to bring the cat to the vet for treatment.

2. Hunger: If the cat has not been fed for a long time, it may feel hungry and express it through screaming or purring. It is advised to feed the cat promptly to alleviate the feeling of hunger.

3. Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, manifesting as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If the abdominal pain continues to worsen, the cat may express it through growling or other sounds. Medical treatment involving digestive enhancement and protecting the gastrointestinal mucosa can be taken as per the doctor's advice.

4. Bronchitis: If a cat has bronchitis, it may produce more phlegm. If the phlegm is not cleared promptly, it may accumulate in the throat, causing a purring sound during breathing. Treatment involving corticosteroid inhalation therapy should be followed as per the doctor's advice.

5. Pneumonia: Caused by bacterial or viral infections, pneumonia can lead to lung damage, respiratory difficulty, coughing, and sore throat. When the throat is severely swollen, it can block the respiratory tract, causing a purring sound. Medical treatment involving antiviral and antibiotic drugs should be taken as per the doctor's advice.