Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Cat Does Not Purr: 4 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Tabby green eyed cat being pet

It is not fully understood why cats purr or how they do it, but you can generally expect your beloved feline family member to purr when they are feeling content. Purring is typical of cats when they are being petted while cuddling in laps or sunbathing by a window. Some cats purr just because they feel like it. However, cats sometimes purr when they are feeling ill or in pain.

Therefore, you must pay attention to a cat’s mood and physical behavior to determine why they are purring. Moreover, some cats never purr their whole life, and others that once purred stop purring. But why is this? Should I be worried if my cat doesn’t purr? Below, we’ll discuss why your cat may not be purring and whether there is anything you can do about it.

divider cats oct 2024

The 4 Potential Reasons Why Your Cat Is Not Purring

1. They Just Do Not Feel Like It

Sometimes, cats do not purr because they do not feel like doing it. Just because your cat is not purring does not necessarily mean they are unhappy. It may mean that they do not need to purr. Purring is also very individual to every cat, and some will purr less than others.

If your cat usually purrs when you pet them but fails to purr occasionally, chances are that they do not want to at that time. However, if your cat stops purring entirely whenever you pet them, there may be another reason for the silence.

Stress, fear, and anxiety may also cause some cats to purr less or stop purring temporarily. Bottom line, if you notice a change in the amount of your cat’s usual purring, it may be a sign that something is wrong.

Cat being petted
Image By: paul hanaoka, unsplash

2. They Are Satisfied

Sometimes, cats will not purr because they are completely satisfied with their situation. Some cats will purr and show affection until they get what they want, like dinner. Then, when they have achieved their goal of getting what they want, your cat no longer purrs and go on about their business as if nothing ever happened.


3. They Are Ill or Injured

A cat might purr as a response to stress or pain when ill or injured, but they may also stop purring altogether until they feel better. If your cat is not purring due to an injury or illness, you may notice other more general signs of discomfort, such as hiding, change in their meow, lethargy, reduced appetite, or more specific signs such as lameness, vomiting, and diarrhea.

You can check for injuries by watching them move or lightly touching your cat’s body to see if any area is sensitive or painful. Also, inspect their mouth and teeth if they let you. Sometimes, cats may “lose their voice,” or there is a significant change in their purring and their meow. This can indicate various underlying health issues, such as foreign bodies at the back of the throat or the nose, infections, inflammation, polyps, cancer, or neurological disorders.

Any signs of illness or injury related to a lack of purring should be brought to your veterinarian’s attention immediately.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money


4. They Are Simply Getting Old

Aging cats may change their habits as they grow older, and some reduce their frequency of purring. They may prefer using their energy to eat and rest instead. Even though they are not purring as much, old cats can be just as content as younger cats.

On the other hand, it is also possible that some cats may purr more as they get older.

divider 1 paws

What to Do About a Lack of Purring

When you notice a lack of purring in your cat, you should start watching them closely and try to understand the reasons behind the change. If they seem under the weather, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to see if anything can be done to make them feel better.

They might start purring again once they feel more like themselves. If your cat does not feel like purring, and your vet has given them a clean bill of health, all you can do is love them and encourage them with petting and cuddling. If they are getting old, you may have to live with the lack of purring, but you can still expect the love and attention you have always received.

divider 2 cats

Final Thoughts

Everyone loves to hear their cats purr. The sound and feel of purring can reinforce the fact that they are happy. But just because your cat is not purring does not mean that you are doing something wrong or that they are unhappy in any way.

Keep an eye out for signs of trouble and get them checked out by your vet, but if there is no medical reason for it and they are otherwise fine, chances are that your cat is just not interested in purring. How often does your cat purr, and do you ever notice them not purring when you expect them to? Let us know about your experiences by leaving us a comment!


Featured Image Credit: Ashley Swanson, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

What Is the Best Type of Carpet for Cats That Scratch? (Facts, & FAQ)

Cats and carpets are not a good match, with the main reason being cats’ love for scratching. But scratching is vital for a...

Can Young Cats Develop Diabetes? Our Vet Explains Signs, Treatment & FAQ

Diabetes is a complex metabolism condition affecting many animals, including cats. With estimates reaching 1% of the cat population 1, it’s easy to...

Are Croton Plants Toxic to Cats? Our Vet-Approved Advice

The croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a popular houseplant. This leafy, ornamental plant is native to tropical areas but adapts well indoors. But if...

Cats Are So Cute I Can’t Stand It! 15 Adorable Things Cats Do

Cats are simply adorable, as any cat lover would agree. They do so many cute things all the time; sometimes, you just want...

More related

Can Cats Drink Lactaid? Vet-Approved Nutritional Science & Info

Lactaid is a lactose-free milk product, free from the sugar lactose found in milk. It is intended as milk suitable for those who...

11 Best Cat Foods for Urinary Tract Health in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Good urinary tract health is essential for your cat’s overall health. Many cats are prone to urinary tract infections. However, their owners may...

Why Do Cats Like Running Water? 6 Interesting Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Most cats aren’t big fans of water, especially when it comes to bathing. They typically shy away from it and many owners also...

Why Does My Cat Go into Another Room and Meow? 9 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cats meow as a means of communication with others, with us, and to express their internal states, which can make us think that...

Keep reading

How Do Cats Hunt? Vet-Approved Instincts & Methods Explanation

If you bring a cat into your home, you have to realize you’re bringing a predator right into your living room. While cats don’t go after big game like humans, that won’t stop them from stalking around your home looking...

cat hunting in grass

How Much Does It Cost to Spay or Neuter a Cat? 2025 Update (Vet-Verified)

Spaying and neutering are both common medical procedures recommended by veterinarians, breeders, and shelters. Spaying or neutering your cat removes the possibility of them reproducing. Besides helping prevent unplanned litters of kittens, spaying and neutering can prevent a wide range...

Two veterinarians holding down a Persian cat at the exam table

Can Cats Eat Dill? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Are you looking for a cheap and effective treat for your cat? Or are you worried because you just caught your cat chowing down on your dill plant? Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Dill is safe for...

Can Cats Eat Dill

Can Cats Eat Graham Crackers? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Alternatives

Cats are known for their picky eating habits, but they can sometimes surprise us by nibbling on unexpected treats. One strange item that seems to get many cats’ attention is graham crackers, but are they safe for cats to eat?...

Can Cats Eat Graham Crackers

10 Do’s & Don’ts of Confining a Cat to a Room at Night (Vet-Reviewed)

There are several reasons why you might want to limit your cat’s space at night, from preventing certain behaviors to protecting your cat. But sectioning them off from the rest of the house can be a challenge. After all, you...

cat near door at home

Why Is My Cat Limping All of a Sudden? 7 Possible Reasons

Cats communicate differently than humans, so it’s helpful to observe and get to know your cat’s behavior. Understanding how your cat acts can help you catch any inconsistencies that point to underlying health concerns. If you notice that your cat’s...

calico cat standing up on hind legs

Why Do Cats Like Watching Other Animals? Vet-Reviewed Feline Behavior

Cats spend a good portion of their day observing their environment. Other animals are of particular interest for felines, whether it is a dog or bird they spotted from the window. Although cats may watch other animals because they simply...

cat-watching-birds-in-the-window

Can Cats Eat Vegemite? Vet Reviewed Facts & Advice

Some cats are finicky eaters, while others seem to want to try anything that they can get their paws on! Felines like “meaty” and rich flavors, so it makes sense that vegemite would be attractive to a few of them....

Can Cats Eat Vegemite