Eugene Sanderson Jr., Age 11, of Sioux City, Iowa, for his question:

Can a cat purr while Eating?

Miss Kitty is a remarkable animal and just about the most lovable pet in the world.  She purrs when she is happy, and WE would expect her to purr while she is enjoying a tasty meal.  Some people claim that they have a cat that purrs over her dinner, but this is not likely.  The soft purring music comes from a set of false vocal cords in the cat's throat.  She uses her throat to swallow, just as you do, and you cannot talk and swallow at the same time.

A contented cat may purr before and after each mouthful.  But she cannot purr while the food is going down her throat.