If your cat meows while purring, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat meow while purring? Likely reasons why your cat meows while purring are that it is showing affection, it is showing pleasure, it or that it wants something from you.
There are a number of possible reasons why your cat meows while purring and it might be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are some things you can consider when figuring out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my cat meow while purring?
Below are likely causes and what would make them more likely.
It is showing affection to you
The cause could be that it is showing you affection. This would be more likely if your cat does it when you are petting it and if it also does things such as knead and rub its head into you.
It is showing pleasure
Another likely cause is that it is showing pleasure. This would be more likely if it also shows other positive body language signs such as kneading.
It wants you to continue petting it
It could also be the case that your cat does it because it wants you to continue petting it. This would be more likely if it meows when you stop petting it and it rubs its head onto your hand when you stop.
It wants you to pet it differently
It could also be the case that it meows because it wants you to pet it differently. This would be more likely if it tends to do it when you pet it in a certain way and if it starts to show agitated body language signs when it does it such as by flicking its tail or moving itself.
It wants something from you
Another possible cause is that your cat wants something from you. This would be more likely if your cat tends to do it more when you have not yet given it something such as food.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider when figuring out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.
The timing of when your cat meows while purring
It would help to consider the timing of when your cat meows while purring. If your cat starts meowing at a certain time, it would be likely that the timing has something to do with it. For example, if it meows after you have been petting it for a while, it might be the case that your cat meows because it wants you to stop or to pet it differently.
The body language it shows
It would also help to consider the body language your cat shows when it starts meowing. If it starts doing things such as flick its tail or move away from you, it would be more likely that your cat is starting to become agitated. Whereas, if it does things such as knead, it would be more likely that it is showing pleasure.
What to do about your cat meowing when purring
Below are some things to consider when figuring out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.
Let it do it
If your cat seems to be doing it because it is showing pleasure, the easiest option would be to let your cat continue doing it.
Give it things it wants
If your cat seems to meow because it wants something such as to be fed, it could also help to give your cat what it wants sooner than you normally would.
React to its body language
It would also help to consider the body language being shown by your cat. If it starts showing signs of being agitated, it would help to start petting it differently or to stop petting it. Usually, cats prefer to have their chins rubbed than to have their whole backs rubbed.