Cats love to spend some time playing, whether with their owners or by themselves. Play provides them with mental and physical stimulation.
To express content while playing, a cat might purr. This is a vocalization in felines that indicates social pleasure, among other things.
In this article, I am going to tell you what it means when a cat purrs while playing.
Cats purr during play if they are:
- Happy
- Excited
- Trying to invite you to play
- To soothe their pain because something has hurt them
Adult cats purr when playing with an inanimate object, and when in close contact with another cat.
Since your cat is happy while playing, you can join in on the fun by playing with them.
1. Purring means a happy cat
In most cases, purring in cats indicates a feeling of contentment. Your cat is probably purring while playing because they are enjoying the game.
It could be because they are playing with their favorite toy, and feel relaxed. Cats that are 1 year or less are often playful, and like to engage in various games.
Older cats may play less, but they still have their sense of fun, and will interact playfully with a loving owner who makes them happy.
Your cat purrs while playing to express its happiness. Cats can also purr when playing with an inanimate object.
Cats like movement. So, when a toy moves in rapid and unpredictable ways, it can excite your cat.
Play is a great indication of happiness in a cat. A cat will play with other cats or humans it trusts. From cat wrestling to pawing on objects, our feline friends love these playful activities.
And if they are purring while playing these games, then your cat is really happy.
2. Your cat is trying to get your attention
The purring sound can also be your cat’s way of trying to get your attention, and invite you to play.
Cats like to play with a person they trust and love. You are your cat’s favorite playmate, and it feels you should join in on the fun.
3. Your cat is super excited
I know this sounds almost the same as being happy, but being excited just gets a cat to do all sorts of crazy things.
When my cat Snowy is excited, and in a playful mood, she runs around the house, jumping up onto and down off the sofa, while purring loudly.
Sometimes a cat will purr when engaged in a vigorous game.
Here are signs to show your cat is excited:
- Sudden dilation of pupils
- Ears facing forward but tilted back slightly
- Tail waving slowly from side to side
4. Something has hurt them while playing
Cats don’t only purr when happy; they can also purr when in pain. It could be that something hurt your cat while playing.
Cats purr when in pain because purring is a soothing action for them. Some research suggests that purring helps a cat heal faster.
The action of purring results in a series of vibrations within its body that heal its wounds, and lessen pain and swelling.
Perhaps something hit your cat’s paw while playing, and they start purring loudly.
Why your Cat Attacks and Purrs while Playing
As we have already confirmed, a purr could be translated as “I mean no harm.” But even though your cat can purr when it is happy, sometimes it does not necessarily mean they are ok with what’s going on.
This is why your cat will purr yet attack your hands or feet while playing. It could be that they are trying to firmly tell you that something you are doing is upsetting them.
At the same time, your cat does not want to be hurtful about it while conveying the message. If you are playing with your cat, perhaps it is telling you it is tired of you over- petting them.
Cats hate aggressive petting, and this could make them attack you. Overstimulation can cause a cat to scratch and bite. Furthermore, there are certain areas of the body your cat does not like being touched.
They can be very sensitive to stimuli. It is important to be aware of how and where you are petting them when playing.
I have always thought that playing with my cat is a no-brainer. But there are a few mistakes we as cat owners can make that hinder our cats from making them enjoy the moment.
According to cat behaviorist, Pam Johnson-Bennett, here are some mistakes cat owners make:
- It’s not a wrestling match
Don’t wrestle with a cat using your hands, such as pinning the cat down. This sends a message that you are now battling with them, and not just playing.
You might get injured because your cat now views you as an opponent, and it might bite or scratch you.
As a kind gesture to warn you to stop, your cat might also purr while attacking your hands, because this kind of play upsets them.
- Denying your cat the chance to win
Humans don’t like to play a game they can’t win, and neither do cats. Don’t just wave a toy or pull a string in front of your cat, and keep it out of the cat’s reach.
This can be so frustrating. Playtime should be mentally rewarding for your feline. If your cat pounces, chases, and leaps on a toy but never gets a chance to get a hold of it, this turns out to be just an exhausting and frustrating exercise.
An example of such a toy is a laser toy. It’s a simple game because you just sit in one place and send the laser light all over the room. It’s something that we may want to do when we are tired, but the cat wants to play.
However, according to your cat, this might not be a fun thing. It does not get the mental satisfaction of capturing the ‘prey.’
- Using your hands as toys
It might seem convenient to wiggle your hands to your cat that is nearby, and in play-mode. However, doing so can unintentionally send a message that biting and scratching is acceptable behavior.
Your cat learns that biting is also an effective form of communication whenever it wants to get a point across.
If your cat views your hands as toys, they can injure you or another family member. Your hands should only be used when gently petting, or holding your cat.
Good Reasons to Play with your Cat when it Purrs
When your cat purrs while playing, it means they are happy, and would not mind if you join the game.
Although you have the option to let your cat chase its toys all by itself, it’s always good to play with your cat when it is in a happy mood.
1. Playing builds a bond with your cat
Playing with your feline friend is the best possible way to build a bond between the two of you.
Your cat will not think of you just as someone who provides food shelter, and warmth. Playing with your cat makes them see you as an object of their affections.
They will look forward to greeting you when you arrive home.
2. It helps prevent your cat from becoming overweight
A balanced diet ensures your cat does not become overweight, but physical exercise also plays a major role.
If you have an indoor cat, then playing with it keeps them fit and healthy. Indoor felines do not get the opportunity for physical exertion like outdoor cats.
However, don’t overdo the play sessions. Limit each playtime to about 15 minutes.
3. It helps your cat become confident
Kittens learn how to interact with their siblings and other cats through play. This is the social education that helps them learn their place in the world.
Playing with your cat often helps it get used to human interaction, and this makes it a more confident cat. They will not be the type of cat that shies away and hides when visitors come over.
4. Playing is fun for you and your cat
Just like humans, cats need fun in their lives. Your cat is probably tired of the monotony of just eating, sleeping, and using the litter tray. Play adds some spice to your cat’s life.
It’s also beneficial to you. A cat is a wonderful and cute pet to keep around the house for its beauty and company. Play makes both of you happy.
5. It helps your cat develop its hunting abilities
When it comes to cats, play is not just about fun and games. For cats in the wild, playing is a serious business that helps kittens learn important survival skills like stalking, pouncing, and trapping prey.
Even if you have an indoor cat that rarely goes outside, this instinct to hunt can remain strong.
Play helps your cat to express and satisfy this instinct. Have a selection of toys for your cat to enjoy during playtime. You can encourage your cat to chase a toy mouse.
Allow them to pounce on the toy for a “kill.” Never encourage your cat to play with small items such as buttons or small bells. Small objects can be swallowed by cats, which is a dangerous thing to happen.
Conclusion
A cat purring during play can mean they are happy and excited. Cats purr on various occasions, but mostly when they are feeling content.
Purring while playing can mean your cat enjoys your company, and is inviting you to play with them.
Sometimes a cat can also purr when in pain. Perhaps something has hurt its paws, or another body part while playing.
You can join in on the fun with your cat, and play with them.
However, overstimulation can also make your cat bite while purring and playing.
Finally, as you have fun with your cat, remember not to wrestle them with your hands. Allow them to win the game.
