Purring is much more than a sound: it is a source of emotional well-being for 95% of British cat owners, according to the newly published Feline Barometer, an extensive study of more than 3,000 cat households across the UK, Spain and Italy, by cat litter brand Sanicat.
With the aim of further studying the power of purring and the benefits of the relationship between humans and cats the study reveals as many as 7 out of 10 British owners say that their cat’s purring relaxes them and helps reduce stress.
The study provides key insights and a social context that reflects a profound shift in the way we understand living with animals and well-being at home. In this sense, cats continue to gain prominence: according to Euromonitor International¹, there are 11.9 million cats in Britain, making cats one of the most common pets in households.
Power of the Purr
More than just one of the most characteristic sounds cats make, purring has established itself as a genuine emotional well-being tool for those who live with them. That soft, rhythmic vibration, associated with moments of calm and comfort, is no longer seen merely as an instinctive gesture, but has taken on a deep emotional dimension, capable of directly influencing people's mood.
"In general, people know what purring is, but it's often understood simply as a characteristic sound or vibration of cats. At Sanicat, we see purring as a sign of feline well-being, contributing to much happier and healthier homes. While the positive effect of purring on people has been studied, we don't fully comprehend the extent of its power in the human-cat relationship, where it serves as a powerful form of connection and serenity," explains Sara Fernández, veterinarian at Sanicat.
64% of owners state that hearing or feeling purring brings them comfort, security, and emotional connection. Additionally, almost 30% affirm it helps them disconnect from negative thoughts, and 3 out of 10 highlight its ability to reduce anxiety or nervousness and mitigate feelings of loneliness.
Its effect even extends to rest and physical well-being: 15% indicate it helps them fall asleep or improve sleep quality, and 12% state it contributes to regulating their breathing or heart rate. Only 10% believe it has no direct therapeutic effect.
Generally, women perceive the effect of purring more than men (97% vs. 93%). By age, younger individuals feel the effect of purring more. Among those aged 18 to 24, 99% believe purring has a positive effect on their daily emotional well-being, and 52% report experiencing "a lot" of relief or relaxation when their cat purrs nearby. This figure slightly decreases with age: in the 25 to 39 age group, it stands at 47%, while among those aged 40 to 59 it reaches 46%, and drops to 41% for those over 60.
The North East, West Midlands and South West are the regions with the greatest emotional connection between humans and cats.
The barometer also reveals territorial differences in the intensity of the emotional bond between owners and their cats. The North East, West Midlands and South West lead as the areas where this connection is experienced with greater intensity, reflecting an especially close relationship between humans and felines.
Specifically, the North East stands out not only for its high levels of emotional connection, with 72% of respondents associating purring with emotional bonding and 69% with calm and relaxation, but also because all owners state that purring has a positive effect on their daily well-being. Furthermore, 63% report experiencing satisfaction for their cat’s wellbeing.
The West Midlands (68%), South West (68%), and South East (66%) also rank among the areas where the emotional bond with cats is particularly strong.
What emotions does purring evoke in the people in the UK?
When asked about the emotions purring evokes in them, owners across the nation are clear. Sanicat has compiled a ranking of the 10 most prominent emotions highlighted by respondents:
1. Satisfaction from my cat's well-being – 66%
2. Calm and relaxation – 64%
3. Comfort – 64%
4. Connection and emotional bond – 63%
5. Happiness and joy – 51%
6. Companionship – 44%
7. Reduction of stress or anxiety – 38%
8. Feeling of not being alone – 34%
9. Reduction of anxiety or nervousness – 29%
10. Disconnection from negative thoughts or worries – 28%
"The results of Sanicat's Feline Barometer reveal that purring goes far beyond a simple sign of a cat's well-being: it is a real form of emotional connection that directly impacts people's daily lives. In a context where we increasingly seek moments of calm and balance, this everyday gesture becomes an accessible source of serenity, companionship, and well-being in British homes," concludes Sara Fernández.
