It’s no secret that cats purr. From cougars and wild cheetahs to tiny fuzzball kittens, almost all types of cats purr. It’s an unmistakable sign that everything is fine with the cat’s life. Think of the wagging of a dog’s tail. But wait! Scientists may have something different to tell you. According to them, purring doesn’t always mean that a cat is happy. There’s a ton of mystery surrounding this ubiquitous feline noise.
The Reason Behind Purring
Nobody knows for sure the process, reason, and meaning of a cat’s purr, but linking it with happiness would be a mistake. According to Tony Buffington, a veterinarian and cat expert at Ohio State University, the behaviors of any animal depend on context, history, and expectation. Thinking that cats purr only when they’re happy is naive, just like thinking we humans only laugh to express happiness. But in reality, we may laugh out of surprise or to ease tension. And just like that, purring can convey a wide range of emotions in cats. While most often, it signals happiness, sometimes it can indicate nervousness, agitation, fear, stress, or even pain.
The Healing Properties of Purring
Yes, it’s true! According to researchers and therapy scientists, a purr may have healing power. The vibration frequency causing the sound ranges from around 20Hz-150Hz, which can have a therapeutic effect. One 2001 paper pointed out that purr frequencies can correspond to electrical or vibrational frequencies used in treatments for wounds, joint flexibility, muscle strain, edema, pain, bone fractures, and dyspnea. It may sound far-fetched and studies are yet to confirm these effects on cats or humans. But experiments with low-intensity vibrations have proven to promote the growth of blood vessels and connective tissue in injured mice. Also, studies have shown that vibrational therapies at around 30 Hz frequencies can improve bone density in humans.
These Actors Have Played Both Lovers and Siblings in Movies
A good role is a good role in the movies – even if you are romantically partnered with an individual who has played your onscreen sibling in the past.
You may already know about Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley, but you will probably be surprised by at least a few pairs on this list. Take a look.
David Arquette and Rose McGowen in Scream Movies
Arquette and McGowen played Deputy Dewey Riley and Tatum Riley in the original 1996 movie Scream.
Jena Malone and Emile Hirsch in Into the Wild
In 2007, Hirsch memorably played Chris McCandless in Into the Wild. Do people actually remember that Malone portrayed his sister, Carine?
Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader in Adventureland
Saturday Night Live co-stars Wiig and Hader teamed up for 2008’s Adventureland. They play Paulette and Bobby, the husband and wife team who operate a local amusement park.
Steve Carell and Toni Collette in The Way, Way Back
In 2013, both actors returned to the big screen in The Way, Way Back. It’s a comedy about a kid that is having trouble dealing with his mother (Collette) and her boyfriend (Carell).
Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene in the Twilight Series
Lutz and Greene played Alice Cullen and Emmett in the Twilight movies. They are an adoptive family, but it still counts.
Amy Poehler and Will Arnett in Arrested Development
Pohler played a seal dealer that marries Gob (Arnett) on Arrested Development. They were actually married in real life when she guest-starred in movies from 2004 and 2005.
Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson in Sense and Sensibility
The pair from Great Britain, Grant and Thompson starred in 1995’s adaptation of Sense and Sensibility as Edward Ferrars and Elinor Dashwood, who get married.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen in Avengers: Age of Ultron
In 2015, the two appeared as Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, siblings with superpowers in the Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley in The Fault in Our Stars
We should also not forget to mention Gus and Hazel in John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars.