Like the search for finding a cure to the common cold, scientists remained stumped about how cats purr. What scientists do know about cat purring is that cats produce the purr through intermittent signaling of the laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles. Cats purr during both inhalation and exhalation with a consistent pattern and frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz.

Oddly enough, studies have shown that sound frequencies in this range can improve bone density and promote healing. Since astronauts suffer bone density loss and muscle atrophy during extended periods at zero gravity, a cat’s purr could actually improve their musculo-skeletal systems. Maybe it’s time for NASA and the government to start granting huge checks to study how cats in orbit could help astronauts survive bone loss.

The next time your cat walks between your legs and nearly trips you, take heart that your cat’s purr can heal your broken leg as you lie helpless on the floor.

To read more about why cats purr, click here.

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