tours is, "do big cats like tigers and lions purr?" This is a longstanding question and

there is quite a lot of debate over this topic within the scientific community. For many

species the dating is lacking or inconclusive and no definitive statement can really be

made. Approximately fifteen species of wild cat can purr; this includes lynx, servals,

bobcats, caracals, ocelots, cheetahs and cougars.

Some say that the greater cats--lion, tigers, leopards, and jaguars--can roar but are unable

to purr. While some say that lesser cats, which is every other species, including domesticate

cats, can purr but not roar. Each of these theories revolves 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 from purring. But in the lesser cats

the hyoid bone is solid, which is why these cat's can't roar, but they can purr. Snow

leopards are an exception to these theories because they have a flexible hyoid bone, but

they have never been heard to roar.

Others believe that lions, tigers, 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 a cat will often purr. Another interesting

fact is the measurable Hz of a cat's purr lies between 25 and 150 Hz, 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 proceeds.

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 heard any of our greater cats purr... This topic will probably be debated for years

to come. So...what do you think?

Please favorite, like, subscribe, and share so we can see what other viewers have to say

about this topic. You can follow BigCatRescue on Facebook or google+. If you want to see

if big cats like catnip or if big cats chase laser pointers, check out the highlighted

videos.

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 longstanding question and

there is quite a lot of debate over this topic within the scientific community. For many

species the dating is lacking or inconclusive and no definitive statement can really be

made. Approximately fifteen species of wild cat can purr; this includes lynx, servals,

bobcats, caracals, ocelots, cheetahs and cougars.

Some say that the greater cats--lion, tigers, leopards, and jaguars--can roar but are unable

to purr. While some say that lesser cats, which is every other species, including domesticate

cats, can purr but not roar. Each of these theories revolves 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 from purring. But in the lesser cats

the hyoid bone is solid, which is why these cat's can't roar, but they can purr. Snow

leopards are an exception to these theories because they have a flexible hyoid bone, but

they have never been heard to roar.

Others believe that lions, tigers, 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 a cat will often purr. Another interesting

fact is the measurable Hz of a cat's purr lies between 25 and 150 Hz, 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 proceeds.

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 heard any of our greater cats purr... This topic will probably be debated for years

to come. So...what do you think?

Please favorite, like, subscribe, and share so we can see what other viewers have to say

about this topic. You can follow BigCatResque on Facebook or google+. If you want to see

if big cats like catnip or if big cats chase laser pointers, check out the highlighted

videos.