Why Do Cats Purr? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage

Use this A2-B1 ESL science reading passage to learn why cats purr. It includes key vocabulary, reading comprehension questions, and answers for English learners.

Cats purr for comfort, communication, attention, and sometimes stress.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

282 words

Reading Passage

Many people think cats purr only when they are happy. Cats often do purr when they feel safe and comfortable. But purring can mean more than one thing.

A purr is a low, gentle sound that a cat makes in its throat. Scientists believe cats make this sound by moving muscles near the voice box very quickly. The sound happens while the cat breathes in and out.

Kittens begin to purr when they are very young. A kitten may purr while drinking milk from its mother. The mother cat may purr too. In this way, purring can help cats communicate before kittens can see or hear well.

Adult cats may purr when they sit near a person they trust. This kind of purring can show comfort. A cat may also purr when it wants attention, food, or gentle touch.

However, cats do not purr only in happy moments. Some cats purr when they are scared, sick, or in pain. In these moments, purring may help the cat stay calm during stress. It may also be a way to ask for help.

Because purring can have many meanings, it is important to look at the cat's whole body. A relaxed cat may have soft eyes and a loose body. A worried cat may hide, stop eating, or move away.

Purring is one of the special ways cats express themselves. It can mean happiness, trust, need, or stress. To understand a cat, we must listen and watch carefully.

A cat's purr can mean comfort, trust, need, or stress.

Key Vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
purr	a low, gentle sound made by a cat	The cat began to purr on the sofa.
communicate	to share information or feelings	Cats communicate with sounds and body language.
comfort	a calm and pleasant feeling	The warm blanket gave the kitten comfort.
attention	notice or care from someone	The cat wanted attention from its owner.
stress	worry or pressure	A cat may purr when it feels stress.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. Do cats purr only when they are happy?
2. Where does a purr come from?
3. Why might kittens purr?
4. What can purring show in an adult cat?
5. Why should we watch a cat's whole body?

Answers

1. No. Cats can purr for many reasons.
2. A purr is made in the throat near the voice box.
3. Kittens may purr to communicate with their mother.
4. Purring can show comfort, trust, need, or stress.
5. Body language helps us understand what the purr may mean.

Short Summary

Cats purr for many reasons. They may purr when they are happy, comfortable, hungry, stressed, or asking for help. Watching body language helps us understand them.

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