Do big cats purr?

[Annie53]

Originally Posted by lkb0714

With the exception of a few smaller cats who would use litter boxes, once they were no longer kittens, all the cats moved out to the compound on our property. It was a little over 3 acres with 8 enclosures around a central area with a pool and other enrichment activities that they each got time in, either in groups or alone.

While they did not use litter boxes, they are clean animals and would go in the same spot every day, thought the males would spray.

Thanks for the response......sounds like your cats were well cared for.


It is something I have always wondered about ever since I saw a program showing big cats wandering around inside Siegfried and Roy's home......did those big cats pee all over the house or were they house trained in some way, either to go in a litter box or did they wait to go until they were outside?

[timothymaxy]

Some documentary films say they do purr

plus, I love big cats~

[Glu Glukan]

As an eighteen year old in central Indiana during the early 1970's there was a Bengal Tiger on display at a newly-opened store on Indianapolis' east side. What a gorgeous creature, present to help get people into the newly-opened business. At that time it was widely said that large cats did not purr.

The Bengal Tiger was reclined at the side of his cage, eyes closed. Had cautiously reached through the bars to gently touch his neck. His eyes flew open as he snapped his neck my direction, then quickly re-closed his eyes after he perceived no threat. Had retouched the magnificent beast nice and easy... and what do you know? He began this incredibly deep purring as my continued light stroking of his neck continued. It was obviously a powerful experience. Hard for me to believe this happened 45 years ago as it seems like only 7 or 8 years ago.
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[banjomike]

Originally Posted by SunGrins

While primitive camping in the Ozarks -- I woke up in my tent to the sound of purring -- loud enough to get my attention and wake me up. I didn't move or poke my head out to see what it was. I think Bobcats purr and assumed that's what it was. Do Mountain Lions purr? Maybe he was saying grace before eating?

Bobcats sure purr. I knew a guy who had one, and hear it purr many times. The sound was deeper and louder than the purring of a domestic cat, so I think you're probably right in your thinking that's what the cat you heard was.

I've had several close encounters with bobcats, and it's good that you didn't stick your head out of the tent and surprise it; if given the opportunity, a bobcat will take the road and won't pick a fight with a human, but if they are surprised or feel cornered they will, and they are muscular, hard fighters who can lick a big tough dog.

I would suppose the mountain lions purr, too. And probably the other large cats as well. Purring in a wild cat would probably mean they're satisfied, like when they are eating, but it wouldn't be a sign they are happy to have human company I'm sure.