PuuuRRRing! (kittens, food, house, kitty)

[StarlaJane]

I am sure that this has probably already been discussed in another thread but b/c I seemd to have missed it I decided to start a new one.
My cat's purring habits fascinate me. She purrs when she eats (especially cat grass, which she loves!) but also if I even get within an inch of her--she senses that I am there and immediately beings purring, even though I'm not petting her. And, of course, as soon as I begin to pet her she sounds like a motorboat!
When and why do your cats purr? Any strange purring habits or behavior?

[chaseystarz]

I was told when I was four that cats purr because it's their kitty motor that keep'em going! Great logic even to this day.

My cats purr at food -mine or theirs! But if it's MY food the purring seems to get louder and happier.

They purr when asleep.

Or when I bring in something new.
They purr in the sunbeams in the house they happen to catch.

They all seem to purr when I put the new sheets on the bed and I find all three happily napping.

I even have one (Jensen) that purrs when I switch on the TV in my bedroom to whatever winter sport is playing on Universal Sports. He likes winter games!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

I read that cats purr when they are feeling sociable/approachable. Moms purr when they are giving birth - not an easy experience for any of us!

[Organized Mess]

I was watching one of those 'Cats' programs on Animal Planet, and they mentioned that (of course) cats purr when they're happy or content. But, they also purr in stressful situations because purring releases some type of dopamine (not sure that's the right word), that keeps them calm and content. Which may explain why your mama cat was purring when she was popping out her kittens.

[catman]

I once had a Manx cat that purred like crazy in the vet's office just before (and during!) being euthanized. I'll never forget that.