The Purr That Means 'Feed Me'

Have you ever noticed your cat's purr sounds different around breakfast time? You might not be imagining it.

In a 2009 study, researchers at the University of Sussex found that some cats hide a high-pitched cry inside their purr when they want food.

When people listened to recordings, they rated these purrs as more urgent and less pleasant than normal purrs, even people who didn't own cats.

The researchers think the cry may tap into the same instinct that makes us respond to a crying baby.

Continue reading: Chapter 5 of 5 →