Purrfect remedy builds better bones

Want to stay healthy longer, be less stressed, and even get stronger bones? Then, it’s time to get a cat.

In fact, recent studies show that the sound of a cat purring can do everything from preventing heart attacks to healing injuries.

Who knew our furry friends were so powerful?

The secret to a cat’s purr begins in their larynx where a vibration of the vocal cords is produced. The cat’s hyoid bone, a small, half-circle of bone beneath their chin hums along with the vocal cord vibration, producing a frequency of 25 to 140 cycles per second.

It’s this specific frequency that’s known to be medically therapeutic for so many illnesses.

Why do cats purr?

While nobody knows for sure why cats purr in the first place there are a number of possibilities.

The first theory is the most simple in that it’s believed that cats using purring in order to bond with their kittens.

Others believe that a purring sound shows that a cat is happy or comfortable.

However, this idea may not be factual because cats have been known to purr when they’re injured or sick as well.

Which has led to an even more interesting idea — that cats purr to heal themselves.

Could it be true that cats possess the ability to repair injuries and stimulate good health in themselves and their owners just through the power of their purr?

It could be…

According to researcher Elizabeth von Muggenthaler, a specialist in the field of bioacoustics at the Fauna Communications Research Institute in North Carolina (FCRI), purring is nature’s way of endowing felines with an evolutionary healing advantage.

Let’s take a look at the medical benefits that have been documented from that soft purring vibration…

Benefit # 1 – Decreased Stress

Anyone who’s ever held a purring cat knows how much it helps in decreasing your stress and anxiety and promoting relaxation. In fact, a 2011 survey by the Mental Health Foundation and Cats Protection found that 87 percent of cat owners feel their pets have a positive impact on their well-being and 76 percent find coping with everyday life easier thanks to their kitties.

Benefit # 2 – Ease Breathing

The sound of a cat’s purr can also help you to breathe easier according to researchers.

Benefit # 3 – Lower Blood Pressure

Spending time with your cat has been shown to lower your blood pressure by reducing stress.

Benefit # 4 – Get Strong Bones

Frequencies of 25 and 50 Hz promote bone healing and a 100 Hz frequency can increase bone strength. This means the sound of your cat’s purr could actually help you prevent osteoporosis.

Benefit # 5 – Prevent Heart Attacks

Thanks to the decreased stress and lower blood pressure cat-owners experience, recent studies credit kitties with lowering their owner’s risk of heart attack by as much as 40 percent.

Benefit # 6 – Heal Infections, Swelling and Injuries

Purr vibrations also stimulate healing of everything from infections and swelling to muscle and ligament injuries. This means your cat could be your best therapy.

With all of the benefits your cat gives you from love and companionship, the “Purr Therapy” they provide could just turn out to be the greatest one yet. In exchange for a tummy rub, they could help you avoid the doctor and stay strong and healthy for life.

Sources:

1. Can suits that simulate cat purring keep astronauts healthy? — i09

2. How your cat can benefit your mental health — Your Cat

3. Owning a cat ‘cuts stroke risk by third’ — The Telegraph

4. The Healing Power of Cat Purrs — Daily Infographic