Cats observe, develop and adapt their behaviour in a way that produces a response from their owner. However, although meowing and yowling are voluntary actions aimed at getting a reaction, purring is more of an involuntary response by the cat to indicate pleasure or, occasionally, nervousness.

Do cats have control over their purr?

Even cooler: Your cat does not control the signals from her central nervous system that tell her to purr, meaning she has the best autopilot setting known to humanity.

Do cats purr on purpose or does it just happen?

Purring (and many other low-frequency vocalizations in mammals) often are associated with positive social situations: nursing, grooming, relaxing, being friendly. More likely, though, purring is simply soothing, or self-soothing, as cats may also purr in stressful situations.