Research overview: the frequency range of cat purring

Cat purrs are notable for their low fundamental frequency, commonly reported in the range of roughly 20 to 30 hertz with energy extending higher, and this overview surveys measurements and interpretations of purr frequency. It examines how recordings characterize the dominant low-frequency vibration, variation among individuals and contexts, and the higher-frequency components that appear in solicitation purrs. The survey also addresses popular claims that purr frequencies fall within ranges said to promote tissue or bone healing, noting these are speculative extrapolations rather than established feline physiology. By compiling acoustic descriptions across studies, the survey clarifies what is well documented about purr frequency, what remains anecdotal, and why careful measurement matters when evaluating both the mechanics of purring and its proposed effects.