FYI - Healing and the Cat's Purr- FAUNA COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE

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The sounds you heard were two female elephants.

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Healing and the Cat's Purr

**Notice to readers.

The following is a hypothesis.

The definition of hypothesis is " a tentative suggestion " and science would

not occur without them.

Since we have only just begun this study, and as yet nothing has been

proven (except for referenced research and the frequency range of the

cat's purrs), this paper is not designed to give veterinary or medical

advice.**

All smaller felids, including the domestic cat, caracal,

serval, puma, ocelot, and even some large cats such as lions and cheetah

purr.

Since the 1970's no one has pursued research into the 3000 year old

question, " Why do cats purr? "

Perhaps it is because,:

one, we didn't have the knowledge we have now, and:

two, it was simply easier to assume that cats purr when they are content,

which cannot be argued-they do purr when they are content.

The contentment hypothesis, however, clearly cannot be the only reason

cats purr.

(1) Natural selection insures that a particular trait be advantageous

to an animal.

Admittedly, there is some benefit to be obtained from purring to one's

self or to kittens, (a sort of kitty lullaby if you wish).

Yet, there does not appear to be a strong 'survival' advantage to this

behavior, unless, of course, you wish to constantly display submission.

(2) Cats purr even when they give birth and when severely injured in

a barren cage at the veterinarian's.

For this to occur, there would likely have to be something very important

(survival mechanism) about the purr.

There is usually a very good reason for energy expenditure (in this case

creation of the purr), when one is physically stressed or ill.

Old wives' tales usually have a grain of truth behind them, and

most people have heard of a cat's " nine lives. "

There is also an old veterinary adage still repeated in veterinary schools

which states, " If you put a cat and a bunch of broken bones in the same

room, the bones will heal. "

Any veterinary orthopedic surgeon will tell you how relatively easy it is

to mend broken cat bones compared with dog bones which take much more

effort to fix, and take longer to heal.

There is excellent documentation of the cats' quick recovery from such things

as high-rise syndrome.

First mentioned by Dr. Gordon in 1976, high-rise syndrome was

later studied by Whitney, W., and Mehlhaff, C., (1987) the Journal of the

American Veterinary Medical Association.

They documented 132 cases of cats plummeting many stories from high rise

apartments, (average 5.5 stories) some suffering severe injuries.

Interestingly, 90% of these cats survived.

The record for survival from heights is 45 stories, however most cats

suffer from falls of 7 stories or more and manage to live.

Unfortunately, there has been no research that has attempted to explain

the extraordinary ability cats have for healing themselves.

Just two years ago, Dr. Clinton Rubin and his associates made a

fantastic discovery.

They found that exposure to frequencies between 20-50 Hz (at low dB)

creates the robust striations of increased bone density, Clinton Rubin,

(1999), Strain mediated augmentation of bone mass and morphology: Is it

possible to harness the anabolic potential of mechanical stimuli without

necessarily requiring

exercise?, Wellcome Trust.

In one study chickens were placed on a vibrating plate every day for 20

minutes, and grew stronger bone, National Geographic, January 2001, p. 11.

This discovery of anabolic frequencies between 20- 50 Hz (at low dB), is a

tremendous breakthrough.

Astronauts in space lose bone density in zero gravity, and this method

could help them maintain healthy bones.

Dr. Rubin's group has begun research trials with humans, designed to test

whether this non-invasive method halts osteoporosis and perhaps even

renews bone growth in post-metapausal women; J. Zhi, and M. Hadjrargyrou,

(1999) The expression of a novel and a known gene, unregulated by disuse is

down regulated by anabolic mechanical stimulation, American Society of Bone

and Mineral Research.

This method is not yet FDA approved, although it is hoped it will be soon.

Additionally, Chen et.al (1994) The effects of frequency of mechanical

vibration on experimental fracture healing, Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi, in his

work with rabbits, found that frequencies of 25 and 50 hertz promote bone

strength by 20%, and stimulate both the healing of fractures, and the speed

at which the fractures heal.

There is also documentation that low frequencies, at low dB are helpful

with regard to pain relief, and the healing of tendons and

muscles.

Vibrational stimulation between 50-150 Hz has been found to relieve

suffering in 82% of persons suffering from acute and chronic pain

(Lundeberg, 1983).

In 1999, M. Falempin and S.F. In-Albon discovered that mechanical

vibration at 120 Hz counteracted atrophy in tendons after hind-limb muscle

loading.

Biomechanical stimulation which uses mechanical vibration of standardized

frequencies from 18 - 35 Hz is used in Russian sports medicine.

This technique improves the relaxation of strained muscle structures and

increases the stretching ability of capsules and tendons.

It can increase the mobility of upper ankle joints by 16- 19 %, Klysczt

et. al, 1997, Biomechanical stimulation therapy as physical treatment of

arthrogenic venous insufficiency, Hautarzt.

Exposure to frequencies between 2-100 Hz results in in the reduction of

muscle spasms and more pronounced reduction of the spasms occurs the longer

the treatment is applied, (D. Ardic, A. Buljina, 2000).

After ten days of short periods of biomechanical stimulation, upper

mobility of ankle joints improved by 16 and 19 degrees and was accompanied

by the healing of venous ulcerations after skin flap transplantation,

(Klysch, T. et al., 1997).

It is interesting to note that Biomechanical stimulation is also used in

public gyms and work-out centers to increase muscle mass.

A web search will bring up many manufacturers of such equipment.

We think that this research could help explain why cats purr, and here is

why:

Fauna Communications has recorded many cats' purrs, at the (

Carnivore Preservation Trust and the Cincinnati Zoo ), including the

cheetah, puma, caracal, serval, ocelot and the domestic house cat.

After analysis of the data, we discovered that cat purrs create frequencies

that fall directly in the range that is anabolic for bone growth.

The dominant frequency for these cats' purrs is between 23-30 Hz, at low dB.

Serval, caracal, ocelot, puma and cheetah purrs all fall well within the 20

- 50 Hz anabolic range, and extend up to 140 Hz..

(The link below will take you to the analysis of a domestic cat purr.

The dominant frequency for this house cat's purr is exactly 25 Hz, and it

has a

strong harmonic at 50 Hz, as well as strong harmonics at or near the

frequencies said to best improve pain relief, and tendon and muscle damage

and growth).

There is another clue found in a study performed by Dr. T. F. Cook, (1973)

The relief of dyspnoea in cats by purring, New Zealand Veterinary Journal.

A dying cat who could not breathe (they were considering euthanasia), was

found to breathe normally once, it began purring.

The purring opened up the cat's airway, and improvement was " remarkable

and the next day commenced to eat.... "

It is clear therefore, that in some circumstances, purring is a proven

healing mechanism.

Is it possible that evolution has provided the felines of this world

with a natural healing mechanism for bones and other organs?

Researchers at Fauna Communications believe so.

Unfortunately there is no easy way to test this hypothesis.

Strangely, after speaking with several of the foremost specialists on animal

bones, it was discovered that there has apparently never been a study on

any small cat bones, not serval, caracal, puma, ocelot, or domestic.

Only cheetah and tiger bones have been studied, and tigers do not purr.

Cheetahs do purr, but they are one of the most unique and

specialized forms of the felid family.

The cheetah's bones were found to have dense remodeling (growth), which

apparently is found in carnivores and in humans.

Purring-cat physiology would have to be compared to non-purring cat

physiology to test this theory.

The study would have to be entirely non-invasive.

The problems, (if one discounts the obvious displeasure of subjecting an

animal to discomfort) is such:

Cats that have physical problems related to purring or cats under

other physiological or mental stress, cannot be admitted to the study

because of the possible variables presented by physical trauma, pain, and

lack of stimulation.

Having variables such as these in the research would effectively negate

the results.

A naturally occurring non-purring cat is very rare, and this effect is

usually associated with a physical problem.

Cats could not have their " voice box " intentionally removed (to stop

purring) because the cat would experience physical trauma from the

operation.

Both purring cats and non-purring cats would have to be placed in a bare

cage for extended periods of time, as muscle stimulation (exercise)

generates bone growth.

This undoubtedly would cause problems, i.e. stress, as the cats would be

under-stimulated.

We are currently looking into ways to research this phenomenon in a

non-invasive manner, and are conducting the first ever, (apparently), study

on the bones of a house cat to see what we can find.

No cats will, or have been harmed in this study.

The cat bones came from a previously deceased domestic cat.

Given - the data on:

*anabolic frequencies,

*fracture and healing research,

*the frequencies of the cat's purrs,

*high-rise syndrome,

*time proven adages,

*biomechanical therapy ,

*studies on tendon and muscle repair, and

*Dr. Cook's study,

it is certainly - not - a leap of faith

to speculate that:

the cat's purr is a - healing mechanism.

Having a natural way to increase strength, and decrease healing time,

would indeed be very advantageous and would explain the purr's natural

selection.

Link to Cat Purr Analysis

Link to Press article, The Telegraph, London

E-mails we have received about the Cat's purr

****Please note, before submitting your e-mail to our site we e-mail you

and request your permission.

We will not mention your name or e-mail address, unless you request it.

Also before you e-mail us on this topic, we are not attempting to disprove

the contentment theory, we are merely supplying an additional hypothesis as

to what the purr may do.

Additionally, this research is not designed to determine how the purr is

created.

For more information: fauna@... or United

States (919) 732-1322

The scientific version of this paper has been submitted to the New Zealand

Veterinary Journal

Many thanks to , Dr. Currey, Dr. Clinton Rubin, Dr.

Terry Cook, Dr. Margerie Lyndicki, Jacqui Roddick,

Carnivore Preservation Trust, and all the other professionals and

helpful people we contacted about this topic.

Copyright (2001) Fauna Communications Research Institute

SUMATRAN RHINOS!

Fauna Communications just returned from recording the only Sumatran

rhinos in captivity. The sessions were very successful, and the Cincinnati

zoo is filled with helpful, knowledgeable people!

Thanks to everyone who made this research possible. The Cincinnati Zoo

has an incredible collection of endangered species like the Sumatran, and

it is a must-see!

Go to the Cincinnati Zoo!!!

Sumatran Research Page!

ASA conference (tiger and equipment papers)

In December our president, Liz von Muggenthaler presented at the

Acoustical Society of America's 140th conference. Acoustical Society of

America.

She presented the invited lecture, " Portable instrumentation for the

recording, analysis, and playback of infrasonic animal vocalizations " and

" Infrasonic and low-frequency vocalizations from the tiger. " The lectures

were given great reviews and she was invited to present to the scientific

press as well.

Lay versions of these lectures complete with pictures and spectrographs

can be found on the Acoustical Society's

website:

Tiger paper -

www.acoustics.org/140th/muggenthaler2.htm

Equipment paper -

www.acoustics.org/140th/muggenthaler.htm

North Carolina Regional ASA Chapter

The press from the tiger paper has been presented on the following

shows and in the following papers:

CBC Radio Toronto Canada; Daily University Science News; Sunday

Telegraph, England; Inside Science News Service; AAAS Science update, The

Sydney Morning Herald; ABCAustralia; BBC World Service Radio.

Scientists agree! We now have the equipment to study

interspecies communication!

During her lecture on equipment, our president recommended that

acousticians look further into interspecies communication.

Since the technology has come so far in the last two years, it is now

possible to create research protocol that will prove or disprove the

ability of animals to participate in language acquisition and/or

interspecies communication.

Other acousticians agree that the unwritten taboo of interspecies

communication, (in force because most prior studies were based on

observation), should be lifted.

Research can now be formed that is not based on observation and

statistics, it is based on mathematics, and the ability of complex

equipment to perform differing types of analysis.

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Please Contact us for information.

Thank you for your interest!

Fauna@...

The sound that you heard came from a male lion.

http://www.animalvoice.com/catresponses.htm

Cat's purr Date: Sunday, March 18, 2001 6:15 PM

I read your article about cat's purring and I can tell you that you are

right. I have always had cats and they have always slept with me.

I have had a persistent sleeping problem, going to sleep especially.

When my cat snuggles up under my chin and purrs, I'm asleep before I know

it.

I have a compression fracture in my neck that hurts sometimes and causes

headaches similar to tension headache.

When I sleep with my cat or hold her in the daytime, the purring seems to

relieve my pain.

I would never have said this to anyone until reading your article but I

have always believed my cats helped me sleep and gave me relief from headaches.

You are definitely on the right track.

In the '50s I knew sleeping in trains or moving cars gave me a wonderful

feeling and in the '70s when I drove trucks with my husband, loved to sleep

in the

sleeper of a " cab-over " (the box-like cab-over-engine).

Its not the same in a conventional, the suspension is different and the

vibration doesn't come thru'; bilts are better than Macks with

dynaflow ( a modified turbine that is smoother).

There is something to this.

A good study and I have often wondered why no one had done it sooner.

I knew about it all along, just not how to explain it without sounding

like a nut.

Alice

Subject: Purring and Healing Date: Saturday, March 10, 2001 12:11 PM

Really interesting article on purring and healing.

As for a little anecdotal evidence, I shared my life for 18 years with a

Siamese whom I think was gifted at healing--herself and others.

She instinctively knew when I needed her help, and she'd sleep by me,

right by my face, and purr loudly.

Sometimes it would annoy me, and I'd push her down on the floor--but to no

avail.

She'd hop right back up, get by my face, and purr again.

This cat stayed by my side (or in my lap!) through several major health

crises of my life, and looking back, I'm sure she did more for my healing

than drugs and therapy.

As she came to the end of her life, her purring became more persistent and

louder when she slept by me, as if she were trying to give me a 'crash

course' of her secrets.

I also remember having a high fever and throat infection when I was a

child, and my tabby cat lay on my chest for hours, purring to me.

I agree with you that there must be a link...healing

energy is all around us, if we know how to tap into and use it.

Being the divine animals they are, I'm sure cats instinctively understand and

use this gift.

B. B.

Subject: cats purring Date: Monday, March 19, 2001 8:28 PM

I read with interest your article on cats' purring, but I see some

major problems with the idea that purring may have *resulted from*

natural selection.

If the original cat which purred (by chance of course!) subsequently broke

a bone, would it not have died from starvation and/or attack from predators?

OK, vibration at 20-50Hz may well assist healing of bones, but this would

require a near miraculous effect to save any cat in a non-human-kept

environment from the dangers which would face a severely injured animal.

If the break was to a major bone, say a leg, surely the cat would be

seriously exposed to these other dangers for a long period of time,

regardless of the purring effect?

If on the other hand the break was not so serious, well the cat would

survive anyway.

Also, why don't we see this in other creatures?

Why don't dogs purr?

And why do dogs wag their tail when they are happy?

While I would accept that the purring vibration may assist the bone

healing process, I cannot see that this is a result of natural selection.

Perhaps a better explanation may be coincidence, or, God forbid,

God's design?

I hope you will include this email on your page of other emails, as I see

some cross-argument as a healthy thing - it assists the natural selection

of ideas!

regards, R B.

From: Probert Subject: Feline Communications Date: Tuesday, March

20, 2001 9:09 AM

Dear Sir/Madam;

Firstly may I say how interested I was in your research into cats' purring

and its effect on healing.

Highly plausible, though as you say just a hypothesis at this stage.

May I suggest (and I am not mad) an avenue you may like to ponder.

Some years ago I had a Siamese cat I used to talk with.

Okay, I imitated its peculiar sounds and it responded with other sounds in

the manner of a " conversation " , though I have no idea what either of us

said to the other, but it was strange and I have subsequently found other

species of cat exhibit similar responses to " simulated " feline calls.

Just thought I'd pass this along to you, in case you fancied a bit of the

Dr Doolittle in the future!

Perhaps dolphins are not the species we should be trying to talk to!

Best regards Matt Probert -- Author of the Probert Encyclopaedia

http://www.probert-encyclopaedia.co.uk

Subject: Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 6:38 PM

In the wild, four legged creatures do break or loose a limb and survive

for long periods of time.

This is probably one of the reasons why there are a lot of four legged

creatures.

The evolutionary reasons to walk on two legs might include: speed (as two

feet cause less friction), the need to use tools or reach high up with your

other limbs (as humans do), and the need to fly with the other pair of

limbs (bats and

birds).

The loss of a limb's use in four legged creatures doesn't make living

impossible.

A good example of a creature that breaks a limb often are lemurs.

Lemurs are flighty primates that will leap while at great height without

considering where they are going.

They fall many stories, so fracturing a limb is not uncommon in spite of

their light and tough frame.

Evidence of this is easy to find, because the bone builds up a recognizable

deposit around the fracture.

One of my anthropology professors said it was rare to find deceased lemur

bones in the wild that had not shown signs of previous fractures that had

obviously healed.

Apparently a lemur with multiple breaks on various limbs is notuncommon.

Cats have four legs and get along at a good pace with only three

working well.

I have seen cats with a broken hind or front leg run quite fast.

Recently I found a very scrawny feline under my house.

She was obviously a stray, and had a very bad leg.

We had been hearing noises under the house for a few months, but figured

it was an opossum we had seen recently in our yard.

When we heard a cat fight one

night, and found out she was living under the house, we convinced her to

come out for some vittles.

She was suffering from malnutrition, limping, yet she was very

affectionate, and purring very loudly.

Our vet guessed that her leg had been broken and healed by fusing the mid

joint, it was a very bad injury, she suspected cat vs. car.

The leg was stiff but it didn't seem to hurt her to touch it or lean on it,

but it was not very useful for walking on.

She had a pronounced limp, but could move quite quickly when she wanted.

Interestingly her claws on the injured paw were incredibly long, since they

received little wear.

She would sharpen them to tiny razor sharp needles.

She was a rather temperamental thing, and scratched me a few times with

that injured leg.

Her claws hooked my skin so we had some time spent with me coaxing her to

calm down so her claws might retract and I could be free to scream.

I have no doubt she was the reason why we haven't seen mice around the

outside of our house as of late.

I'm not sure of other small cats in the wild, but I have seen domestic

cats actually bring each other food, and clean another cat's wounds.

Lions share their kills and live in a community, and although the domestic

cat may seem a loner, they too are quite community minded.

Natural selection seems to encourage communities in certain creatures.

In cats it helps with the hunt, and the raising of the young.

Even female domestic felines with help raise another's' kittens.

Perhaps the community helps when one of it's own is injured as well.

Small cats, like most wild animals, are well adapted to living under

harsh conditions, and can survive on little or no food or water for

amazing periods of time.

That paunch that a lazy cat has is there for a reason.

So, although it might not be easy on a cat, it is not unlikely for any

four-legged creature with a broken bone to survive long enough for it to

heal.

This is without considering if it could heal quickly,

relying on its natural fat reserves and help from it's community.

Quicker healing (in this case because of a purr) would

certainly move almost any creature up the natural selection ladder, giving

it a better chance of surviving long enough to seed it's genes in the

selection pool.

In spite of believing that the purr of a cat has probably been brought

about through evolution and natural selection, I most certainly believe

that they are Divine creatures.

I also believe that we have a lot to learn from our feline friends and

their larger cousins. -K.G.

MESSAGE FROM FAUNA COMMUNICATIONS:

Mr. K.G. had a stroke of genius, or rather divine intervention!

Lemurs purr.

The reason the ring-tailed lemur is called Lemur Catta, is because of its

purr.

Apparently the Cat lemur (another so named because of this) purrs as

well.

Mr. K.G has opened up an entirely new line of research.

We have only recorded lemur vocalizations, not the purr, but evidently

this needs to be done.

K.G's mention of the fact that lemurs often break bones, yet do not die of

them in the wild may be a clue!

This is a good example of why we like your comments.

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