The spring b4 last there was a ferral kitty on our property, she had a litter of kittens but was badly injured, she must have been hit by a car because she couldnt use her back legs. We had her put down because she was suffering. We took her kittens in, Miss Pebbles and Miss Mouse. Miss Mouse is shy but purrs like crazy when I pet her. Miss Pepples however purred as a kitten, but when we moved in May she stopped purring. She is in very good health, has all her shots and is spayed, she sleeps on my bed, comes to me to be fed and petted, but she doesnt purr. Every once in a great while I can feel her vibrate just a tiny bit, but it never gets any more purry than that. Anybody every have this happen? She seems happy.

By Palmbchprincess on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 11:50 am:

No advice, just a *bump*.

By Cat on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 11:58 am:

We have two cats, and our shy one will purr up a storm. She's LOUD! lol The other one, that's more outgoing, bold, aggressive, and not at all shy, hardly purrs at all. He's happy (as far as I can tell!), but he just doesn't purr much, and when he does it's usually very quiet. I think it just depends on the cat. I'm sure other cat lovers will post their experience/opinions.

By Sunny on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 12:06 pm:

We adopted a cat from the SPCA two years ago and I've never heard her purr. My Dh said that he's heard her purr, but it was very soft and he wouldn't have known it unless he touched her and felt vibrations. We have another cat who is about 9/10 months and she purrs at the drop of a hat (very loudly, too!)
But, like you, I know our older cat is happy and content because she kneads you and rubs up against you. When we first got her (we were told she was about 9 months old at the time) she would bite you gently when you were petting her and would lick you like a dog does. She doesn't bite anymore, but she still licks. I think that's her way of saying "I like you". We call them kitty kisses.

By Melanie on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 01:58 pm:

When I was a kid, we had neighbors with a cat that couldn't purr. The story of how they found her is really sad. The kids found her half frozen in a beer box on the road. Her vocal cords had been damaged and she couldn't make any sounds. But she was such a sweet and beautiful kitty!

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, January 29, 2005 - 11:40 am:

Scott says if she seems happy and exhibits friendly "purry" behavior, it may be that she has a minor, not to worry about deformity of her vocal cords. As long as she seems happy and seeks petting and contact and has other friendly behavior, he suggests just accept that she doesn't have a purr and enjoy her. One of my mom's cats had a "silent" purr - you could feel the cat vibrate occasionally, but no sound. Since this was one of the most affectionate of her cats (and they were all affectionate towards Mom), we ignored the lack of purr.

Kudos to you, by the way, for rescuing and taking the appropriate steps with the mama and rescuing the kittens (and having them neutered).