Why Do Cats Purr?
February 5, 2026
By
Ekaterina Pisano
Cats are tiny furry ninjas.
As descendants of wild animals, they evolved to hide pain and illness like their lives depend on it — because, historically, they did.
So when your cat finally does show obvious signs of illness?
Surprise! They may have been feeling awful for days… or weeks.
Fun, right? 🙃
Cats don’t wake us up and say, “Hey Susan, my stomach feels weird.”
Instead, they communicate the only way they know how: by going off-script.
As a cat parent, your most important skill isn’t medical knowledge — it’s observation. Knowing your cat’s normal behavior allows you to notice the smallest changes, often before an illness becomes serious.
Let’s be honest: cats are creatures of habit. They have routines. Opinions. Preferred nap angles.
So when your perfectly predictable cat suddenly starts behaving like they’ve joined an improv group — it’s usually not because they’re feeling creative.
It’s because something is wrong.
Your sweet baby angel turns into a hissing goblin overnight?
Before you accuse them of having “an attitude,” consider this:
Aggression often equals pain or fear.
Red flags:
If you’ve ever had a migraine or toothache, you know: pain does not improve your personality.
Cats are basically walking spa influencers.
So when your cat stops grooming, that’s not a vibe — that’s a problem.
Possible reasons your cat skipped spa day:
A messy coat on a cat is never just “laziness.”
Ah yes. The carpet drag. Always in front of guests.
While it may look like your cat is auditioning for a slapstick comedy, scooting usually means something back there is not okay.
Common culprits:
Laugh later. Call the vet sooner.
When your cat:
…it’s time to pay attention.
Cats should never stop eating for more than 24 hours.
That’s not a “wait and see.” That’s a “call someone who went to vet school.”
Zoomies are normal.
Zoomies at noon from a previously chill cat? Less normal.
Sudden energy changes can be linked to thyroid issues, blood pressure problems, or internal discomfort — basically your cat’s body running on the wrong software update.
When your usually quiet cat suddenly becomes a full-time opera singer, they’re not chasing fame.
Possible reasons include:
If the yowling comes with litter box issues, this is not a rebellion. It’s pain.
A formerly independent cat turning into a Velcro baby?
Or a brave little tiger suddenly scared of their own shadow?
Both can be signs your cat isn’t feeling well and is either:
Sudden emotional shifts deserve attention too.
Every cat has a vibe.
But if your toy-obsessed gremlin suddenly refuses to move, play, or engage — something’s up.
Nobody feels like chasing laser dots when they feel terrible.
🚨 Go to an emergency vet immediately if:
These are drop-everything situations.
Your cat isn’t trying to ruin your carpet, embarrass you, or destroy your sleep schedule.
They’re trying to tell you something.
Trust your gut.
Document the weirdness (yes, videos help).
And when in doubt — get it checked out.
Sometimes your cat is just being a cat.
But sometimes, they’re asking for help in the only language they have.
And you listening? That’s love.
Subscribe now and get exclusive updates — we’ll let you know the moment The Purrfect Cat Manual is released.
