Why do cats sometimes purr loudly but still seem anxious or uncomfortable?

[Querin]

So my cat, Miso, has this habit of purring like a tiny motorcycle but still acting super jumpy, and honestly it’s stressing *me* out now. Last night he curled up on my lap, purring like he was living his best life, but his ears were twitching and his tail was doing that annoyed flick thing. I’m so confused… is he happy? Freaked out? Both?? I’ve had cats before but never one who sends mixed signals like this. Anyone else deal with a “purr-but-panicked” kitty? Any advice would be amazing.

 

[2515R Dude]

TBN is exactly the right place to ask a vet question, great first post

 

[grsthegreat]

It’s because they are Cats. There born nuts.

You can tell I’m a dog person

 

[CalG]

If you can figure out cats, women will be asy for you.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I can't wait for OP to edit their post to include a link!

 

[Engineer42]

Man, I've got a comment but will surely get roasted for saying it, lol

 

[scootr]

So my cat, Miso, has this habit of purring like a tiny motorcycle but still acting super jumpy, and honestly it’s stressing *me* out now. Last night he curled up on my lap, purring like he was living his best life, but his ears were twitching and his tail was doing that annoyed flick thing. I’m so confused… is he happy? Freaked out? Both?? I’ve had cats before but never one who sends mixed signals like this. Anyone else deal with a “purr-but-panicked” kitty? Any advice would be amazing.

Either kitty is in heat or he's just an ashole.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

I'm the opposite here! Had dogs until I met wife 54 years ago. Now we have three and it takes time understanding them. They're much cleaner in the house and the last dog we had, a Golden, was good but finally trained her not to bark unless an emergency and crapped everywhere.
Cats purr when contented or in pain. Sounds weird but their way of calming down. I'd have a veterinarian check him out. The other weird thing is they're psychic, could be picking up on something humans can't see or hear.
Tonight one tomcat was in my lap sleeping and dreaming, so noises & kicking is normal.
I trim indoor cats claws so no torn furniture. Gaining trust is the key.
To me if he's purring immediately and twitching he's probably in pain, ear mites, something. A vet should check him out. If purring starts after sleep he's dreaming.

 

[dodge man]

Two first time posters. Looks kinda funny.

 

[scootr]

Reported. 1st post blind link. Red Flag.

 

[lman]

So my cat, Miso, has this habit of purring like a tiny motorcycle but still acting super jumpy, and honestly it’s stressing *me* out now. Last night he curled up on my lap, purring like he was living his best life, but his ears were twitching and his tail was doing that annoyed flick thing. I’m so confused… is he happy? Freaked out? Both?? I’ve had cats before but never one who sends mixed signals like this. Anyone else deal with a “purr-but-panicked” kitty? Any advice would be amazing.

He wants to go out and catch a mouse!