Tigers do not purr in the same way domestic cats do. While smaller felines are known for their characteristic rumbling purr, tigers and other large roaring cats possess anatomical differences that prevent this specific sound. This distinction highlights how different cat species vocalize and communicate.
The Mechanics of Purring
Purring is a unique vocalization primarily associated with smaller cat species. The sound originates from rapid muscle contractions within the larynx, or voice box. These contractions cause the vocal cords to vibrate as air passes through during both inhalation and exhalation, creating a continuous, low-frequency sound.
A key component in this process is the hyoid bone, a U-shaped bone located at the base of the tongue and supporting the larynx. In purring cats, this bone is fully ossified, meaning it is rigid and bony. The vibrations from the vocal cords resonate against this solid hyoid bone, producing the distinctive purr. The frequencies of purring typically range between 20-50 Hz.
Why Tigers Don’t Purr
Tigers, classified within the Pantherinae subfamily, cannot purr due to an anatomical difference in their hyoid bone structure. Unlike the fully ossified hyoid bone in purring felines, tigers possess a hyoid apparatus that is not completely rigid. Part of their hyoid is composed of tough, flexible cartilage or an elastic ligament.
This flexible hyoid bone allows tigers and other “roaring cats” like lions, leopards, and jaguars, to elongate their vocal tract and produce deep, powerful roars. The ability to roar and purr are mutually exclusive in felines, linked to the hyoid bone structure. While the tiger’s hyoid structure enables their iconic roar, it prevents the purr of smaller cats.
Tiger Communication: Beyond the Roar
Tigers rely on a diverse range of other vocalizations for communication. One notable sound is “chuffing,” also known as “prusten.” This soft, puffing sound is made by blowing air through the nostrils with a closed mouth, often accompanied by a head bobbing motion.
Chuffing serves as a friendly, non-threatening greeting, used to express affection and strengthen social bonds. It is commonly observed between a mother and her cubs, between mates, or even towards familiar human caretakers. Beyond chuffing, tigers also utilize other sounds like growls, hisses, and snarls to convey aggression or warnings, and powerful roars for long-distance communication, territorial claims, and attracting mates.