Wild Animals That Purr

If you have a pet cat at home you already know that domestic cats will purr when they are happy, or content. Domestic cats purr when a signal in their brain causes muscles to vibrate, acting as a valve for air flow. The valve opens, and closes rapidly creating the purring sound. But purring is not limited to domestic house cats. Several other animals can purr as well.
  1. Cougar

    • Another name for a cougar is puma.

      Cougars, also known as mountain lions, are a member of the cat family indigenous to North and South America. They are very shy animals, and choose to spend their time in the mountains, or in heavily wooded areas, and are rarely spotted by human beings. Cougars are the largest of the cat family that purrs.

    Raccoon

    • Raccoons can be identified by the black stripes across their eyes.

      Raccoons are large mammals; once believed to be a close relative of the weasel, they are now known to be more closely related to pandas. They make their homes near water in burrows, caves or hollow trees. Raccoons are not picky eaters and are known to eat almost anything, including other dead animals. When raccoons are happy they will purr.

    Yellow Mongoose

    • The yellow mongoose is also known as the red meerkat.

      The yellow mongoose is found mostly in the southern region of Africa. They make their homes in a series of complex underground burrows, and live in colonies of up to 20 members. The yellow mongoose eats many insects but will also eat small birds, frogs and rodents. They may growl when they feel threatened. They can also bark, or purr, but mostly remain quiet, and communicate via tail movements.

    Elephant

    • Due to their great memory and intelligence, elephants are a symbol of wisdom in Asia.

      Elephants live in Africa and India. They can live to be between 50 and 70 years old. Elephants use their trunks to pull leaves and berries from trees, and eat them. A healthy adult elephant has virtually no predators. They purr as a means of communication.