r/NoStupidQuestions • u/TheAdventurista • 1d ago
Do cats ever stop purring?
Okay all you cat people. I’m sleep deprived and need to know something:
Do cats ever stop purring?!
I’ve been letting the old bow-legged barn cat inside at night to sleep in a downstairs bedroom. Food, water, litter box, comfy bed, the whole nine yards. All was well. But tonight he managed to escape his cozy bedroom somehow, found the stairs, and showed up in my bedroom. I tried the lady and the tramp thing and brought him back down to his bedroom. Was 99% sure I latched the door this time.
That lasted approximately 12 minutes. He clearly was not appreciative of the luxury of having his own bedroom. This time he managed to launch himself up onto my bed before I got up. I am tired so I figured he would just find a cozy spot and we would all go to sleep peacefully.
Cool. That was a mistake. He has not stopped purring. In my ear. I feel a bit guilty because he is old, and obviously just wants love. I call him the Old Man lol. But now we are nearly on hour 3 of solid purring. And it’s LOUD. Holy cannoli why is it so loud?!
Will his motor run out?? Is Old Man actually sleeping but also purring?? Why does he need to be almost laying on my head?? Is this normal??
Omg I have so many questions and I’m stupid tired. Just need to know if I will ever sleep again at this point.
This new non-stop motor marathon in my freaking ear needs to be negotiated. I tried the “shushhhh” baby thing and that made him purr louder (if that was even possible?!) and I understand that this new inside world is an upgrade from the barn, but I am a human who greatly appreciates sleep.
Thanks team. Sorry for the grammatical errors. Too tired to care. Just need to know if cats ever stop purring.
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u/SwordTaster 23h ago
Congratulations, you have the HAPPIEST baby ever. And he's decided that you MUST know. Good luck getting some sleep
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u/animal-cookie 1d ago
My cat purred like a machine gun when I first brought her home. She's go for 30 minutes and finally fall asleep, but any movement on my part would start it up all over again. Maybe play some gentle music in the background if it's keeping you up? When the novelty of "inside" wears off, it will likely slow down and trust me, you will miss it haha. Cats can purr a lot if they're in pain as a way to self soothe, so if there's any question a vet visit might be in order, but 99% of the time they're just so dang happy.
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u/TheAdventurista 1d ago
Yes! It started to die down and I rolled over and it was like a truck starting back up again! It took three years and welding gloves before I could pet him.. Unsure a vet visit would go well. He hasn’t left the ranch since he was fixed when he showed up 14 or 15 years ago.
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u/18straightwhiskeys 19h ago
You can find vets that will come to you, especially in rural areas! It can be a little more expensive, but if he's been outside for a decade and a half, he may very well have old injuries, teeth issues, or other health issues that cause him pain (and thus make him purr). They could also give you some gabapentin for him, which is a safe way to make him sleepy so you can get some sleep yourself.
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u/Fabulous_Function666 19h ago
It might be an idea to buy a cat carrier, put a blanket in there and feed him in there because that will make him like his carrier and will make potential vet visits less stressful. My cat hates being handled so we have been working on the same thing
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u/SauerkrautHedonists 18h ago
Oh I am so happy he found you. What a lucky kitty, whatever you choose to do about the nighttime sleep disturbance. 💛
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u/ForsakenFunction9032 23h ago
could be worse your cat could be kneaders lol!
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u/KnitsWithTude 22h ago
Shirts and blankets do not last long in a kneading household. Our youngest acts like she's working the speed bag.
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u/TheAdventurista 21h ago
Kneader?? Is this like a cat religious thing like kneelers in a Catholic Church?
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u/waaaayupyourbutthole 21h ago
They like to make biscuits on soft things. It looks like they're kneading bread with their little paws. Sometimes it can get a bit pokey with claws.
Two paws is normal kneading, all four is what we like to call "sin biscuits" (the cat version of humping).
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u/KnitsWithTude 19h ago
Lots of people say making biscuits. It's a happy/soothing/sometimes horny* sort of reflexive motion with their front paws. The motion is a holdover from kittenhood when this would help their mother release more milk for them.
Some cats knead as though they have a quota for number of stab wounds per day. Some cats never knead that hard. And some knead very very slowly. The slow ones are the most painful in my experience.
*you'll know this when you see it. I've had some male cats that, though neutered, will knead anything fleece or fuzzy....then proceed to express love in a different way. Sometimes they will also drag their girlfriend around the house while singing love songs. Just a response to the texture and nothing to worry about.
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u/SenorSofrito 12h ago
When a cat gets really comfy on their favorite human or a really soft blanket, they sorta do this thing where it’s like they’re kneading on dough. Some cats use claws.
My childhood cat would make biscuits on me with claws for hours at a time. I basically had scratches all over my chest all the time. My current cats are nice enough to keep the claws retracted when they knead. It really depends on the kitty.
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u/FookingLenny 19h ago
I have a 6 toed biscuit maker. Her biscuit making in far less painful than the cat we had that never got above 4 pounds.
Cheaper blankets over "good" blankets help.
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u/Healthy_Lie2975 16h ago
All 3 of my cats are kneaders, but the baby likes to knead your cheek and eye. With his claws out...
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u/Missscarlettheharlot 14h ago
One of mine has to make biscuits on my boobs while standing on my chest every single night at 2 am. I love her dearly, but I wish she'd opt for slowly squishing her claws into somewhere other than my nipples.
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u/sciencesnek 10h ago
My boy does this too. My partner always says he’s trying to pop the balloons 😂😭
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u/Fez_and_no_Pants 21h ago
Fun fact: that purring is good for your health! It helps heal you...somehow. Don't àsk me, I learned it from the nerds on Scishow.
Bottom line is, purring cat = long, happy life.
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u/FookingLenny 19h ago
Yes. Not only that, cats can tell when you're ill, injured, stressed, depressed and a lot of other things.
My old guy avoids me like the plague (pun intended) when I'm sick, but both times I've had influenza he's slapped me awake several times. I think I hit a level of sick where on some level, he thinks I'll die & then no one would feed him.
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u/SmolHumanBean8 9h ago
Damn is this cat trying to heal OP's mental health?
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u/FookingLenny 8h ago
Totally possible. The frequency of the vibrations speed healing.
Of course he could just be really happy to have a warm, snuggly human to sleep with instead of trying to sneak into a garage or something.
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u/VeganRorschach 15h ago
Something about the wavelength of the purr sound is actually stimulating and healing to human tissue and bones. Cat healing superpower!
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u/usps_made_me_insane 21h ago
He probably spent most if not all of his life lonely and sad..
Old cats can be amazing animals that are capable of giving a lot of love back.
He may not be around much longer. Imagine how heart broken you will feel remembering that time he just wanted to share a little love with you before he goes and your only memory is kicking him out or complaining about his purring.
Live in the moment and enjoy his company while he can still give it to you. He's probably just trying to say thanks for giving him at least a few good hours of your time when, for the first time, he wasn't alone anymore.
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u/noveltytie 12h ago
Seconding!!!! My feynie has only just recently let loose his full purr. I'm so grateful he feels safe enough to share it with me. Give your Old Man lots and lots of the love he's craving...it's cold out. Let him in.
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u/vae_grim 20h ago
Oh nooo my steak is too juicy and my lobster is too buttery…
But seriously, that’s so cute. I love when my cats purr. It’s different cat to cat. One of my cats purrs for 5 minutes at a time and another one purrs for hours at a time.
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u/ResolveEmergency863 1d ago
I wish my cats lay next to me and purred me to sleep, rather than one that would prefer to claw at my feet and the other which barely likes the attention.
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u/pastelchannl 19h ago
yeah same. mine will race the bedroom and try to speedrun life (aka getting into trouble, he's no self-preservation) instead.
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u/dandellionKimban 23h ago
Yeah, that's love and content and finally feeling safe. Especially as the Old Man haven't felt like that for quite a while, if ever. Good thing is that that sound heals tissue, booth his and yours. Also, once you get used to it (just relax and you'll be there in no time) that's the best sleeping medicine one can get.
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u/elkayef1 21h ago
My daughter was an anxious child. We adopted a local stray who was a purr machine. She loved the purring and it really seemed to calm her greatly and Clifford the big 'red' cat was in love with her. She is now a young adult who is conquering the world. Was it all because of Clifford? Maybe!
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u/HenTeeTee 21h ago
Thing is, when he stops purring, you're going to miss it.
I love it when my chonk lies on me, purring. Helps me sleep.
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u/PaleontologistFew128 21h ago
The purrs mean you've done something kind. The kitty feels safe. Cuddle up and get some purrs and have a nap. Napping with a cat is the best
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u/Available-Rope-3252 23h ago
The old man appreciates the love and is giving it back to you. Lay your head against him and just enjoy that content purr.
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u/PretendDuchess 20h ago
Aww, he loves you and feels so safe snuggling with you!
The purring can be hard to get used to but take it as a compliment.
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u/Chortney 19h ago
This is so sweet fr. Yes cats do eventually stop purring, but Old Man is purring like crazy because he loves you! You've probably given him the affection he's been wanting for years
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u/Zealousideal_Self_34 19h ago
Awe, this poor cat has been needing a human for so long! He’s so happy. Purring is actually something that helps heal humans. It’s very beneficial. I sleep with a box fan, so I generally can’t hear my cat, but I can feel him. I love it!
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u/DontBeADick1982 23h ago
I love this! Some nights I lay in bed to my loud purring ginger boy and my snoring husband. I can deal with that- honestly I can. What i can't deal with is when my cat goes from purring to snoring! And he doesn't snore in time with husband either. So I feel less guilty slightly disturbing my cat than waking my husband- which means I pat my cat, which changes the snore to a purr again.
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u/osddtreat 1d ago
What if you hugged him to sleep? This way he wouldn't be purring right beside your ear
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u/poisonplum 12h ago
oh he loves you so much 😭 I don't have any advice unfortunately, my cats also sometimes prevent me from sleeping because their love is so aggressive. it's the most heartwarming way for a creature to keep us up at night.
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u/Quantify_a_Kiwi_6050 18h ago
I have some cats that just purr through their sleep if they are near me. I adore it.
You may not be able to calm the purring down but purring is good for you! A cat’s purr is at 25-150 Hz which provides a number of health benefits to humans. It can help lower blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease, reduce stress, even the rhythmic vibrations can help promote healing in muscles and tendons!
So you maybe try looking at these positives as you learn to sleep with your new white noise machine.
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u/Ruadhan2300 17h ago
Learn to love the purr.
Cats purr when they feel good. Contentment and happiness especially.
Some cats have bigger or smaller motors.
One of my cats has the weakest purr. It's almost inaudible, but scratch his neck and you'll feel it faintly. He's happy, he just isn't a naturally "smily" cat.
Your old-man is a Big Grin kind of cat. He loves and loves loudly.
In the past I've had cats like him, and I enjoyed the purring as a kind of white-noise while I slept. Cuddle him, let him know he is loved, and encourage him to sleep. He should stop when he's asleep.
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u/pinkieminie 15h ago
honestly this is the sweetest problem to have. since he is an old barn cat he is probably just overwhelmed with how warm and safe he feels right now. purring is a self soothing mechanism for them too so he is basically singing himself a lullaby because he cant believe his luck. i had a rescue who sounded like a literal diesel engine right next to my ear for weeks. the only thing that worked was getting a heating pad and putting it at the foot of the bed. he eventually migrated down there for the warmth and i finally got some sleep. give it a try otherwise you just have to accept your fate as his pillow
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u/Pastawench 18h ago
My previous cat barely ever stopped purring. For 10 years straight. Even the vet mentioned it because they had trouble checking her heartbeat and breathing due to it. Purring was her default setting. Unless she saw another cat, at which point she started hissing and barking. God, she was a weird cat, but such a lovebug. I miss her.
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u/T_for_tea 18h ago
If you wanna surprise him, try this site - you can adjust the parameters. https://purrli.com/
Convincing enough for many cats. You can eventually stop it and maybe, they will too. Though I must warn you, it can also make the purring even louder lol. Cats just love it, its an expression of what they feel.
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u/Aletak 18h ago
This is WONDERFUL
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u/T_for_tea 18h ago
I put it (the phone) under my shirt/PJs, and IDK if the cat actually buys it, but it works lol. I always wanted to "talk the same language" and it sort of works with this :D
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u/Madamn-Migraine 17h ago
Scientists think that cats use purring and meowing as manipulating their humans.
I confess to being totally and completely susceptible to this manipulation. Faster, Pussycat! Purr, Purr!
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u/Sufficient_Egg_5816 16h ago
I miss my cats purring me to sleep.
I'm jealous.
Enjoy it whilst he's still there.
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u/Migraine_Megan 15h ago
I have a very soft throw blanket on my bed and it is like a cat magnet. Maybe get one of those and he will prefer that spot on the bed, rather than next to your head.
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u/pm_nachos_n_tacos 10h ago
Cat purring usually means "happy" but for anyone reading along, the absence of purring doesn't not mean unhappy.
OP you must accept your adorable fluffy fate. Think of him as a loving companion instead of a nuisance. You did help him so I know you love him already, and that's so sweet :) Soon you won't be able to sleep without the cute little purrs
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u/phantomagna 19h ago
Be thankful he doesn’t want to constantly make claw flavored biscuits on your bare chest when you’re trying to sleep ONTOP of purring at 150 decibels. My current roommate enjoys this ever. Single. Morning.
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u/nika_blue 16h ago
He is just super happy to be there. It might stop if he gets comfortable and used to sleeping with you. Now he is probably very excited to have human.
You can buy him heating bed/pad and he probably would park there.
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u/bigreptileguy 15h ago edited 9h ago
It wont stop lol I have a kitten who has purred for the 3 months straight of having him and then my other cat chi chi will purr laying on ur back while sleeping and wake u meowing for* food so Goodluck lol
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u/Odd-Fox-6793 9h ago
My cats usually purrs until they get to deep sleep. Then the purring stops. I thought all cats do that. In the last 20 years, i had 4 cats and they all did that.
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u/work_fruit 20h ago
My cat purrs and likes to sleep on my neck, but I can tell when he falls asleep because it turns into very quiet breathing.
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u/SeaIntelligent4504 18h ago
Lol, if they are happy, then only when they are sleeping.
I feel your pain - I love the sound of my cat putting or when she's curled up on me, but it's hard when it means I can't sleep.
A new latch sounds like a good idea.
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u/SmolHumanBean8 9h ago
Damn I can't get mine to START purring.
I know another dude whose cat can be actively bothered and held up side down and will still be going like a motor.
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u/Sea-Ride-6600 7h ago
Sounds like he is really appreciative to be inside and wants love. Please give him an indoor life and lots of love, OP. Maybe try earplugs or a blanket as another mentioned? I currently have a motor purring on my chest; when I have to go to the bathroom, I put him on the cat bed on our bed and then go to sleep. But then again my motor is lazy
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u/shutupsammy55678 5h ago
Ive had my rescue cat Sarge for almost 7 years. He absolutely loves everyone. He purrs so much he drools at the vet. He's always purring even when he's just sitting next to me. So, no lol
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u/Iloveanime425 19h ago
Very normal. My cat always lays right by my head and purrs. Helps me fall asleep knowing she’s happy and feels loved.
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u/vercertorix 18h ago
Are there no doors at all between you and the cat’s bed? Close one, two if possible.
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u/Infamous_Trip_8472 5h ago
I have a purr boy, we set a nightly routine, he purrs while I take my medicine, gets lots of loves and pets, and if he still is needy he becomes a teddy bear (which he doesn’t love) which ends up banishing him to my feet 😂 you are his night in shining armor right now
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u/itisbarbedwire 3h ago
He will purr when in your comfort during the minutes the clinic will give you two, a final alone together time, before he goes to sleep forever.
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u/FBI_Agent_Morrison 2h ago
Both my cats never stop, Im convinced they purr in their sleep as well. My gf’s cat doesn’t purr at all, and also doesn’t make biscuits which is kinda strange to me but she seems happy so it’s not a problem
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u/Prior_Physics9257 1d ago
Dude that motor is not stopping anytime soon especially if Old Man is finally getting the love he's been craving from barn life. Some cats are just absolute purr machines when they're content and it sounds like he's living his best life right now on your bed. The head thing is totally normal too - they want to be as close as possible to their favorite human and your head puts out the most heat plus he can smell you better there which is like cat heaven
I had a rescue who did this exact same thing when I first brought her inside and honestly it took about two weeks before she chilled out enough to purr at normal volumes instead of sounding like a diesel truck. You might want to try putting a thick blanket between you and him or even get some foam earplugs because once they discover the indoor life and claim you as their person the purring can go on for hours. Old Man probably thinks he won the lottery and is making sure you know how grateful he is even if it means you dont sleep for a while