Researchers at the University of Sussex have discovered that cats use a “soliciting purr” to overpower their owners and garner attention and food.

Unlike regular purring, this sound incorporates a “cry”, with a similar frequency to a human baby’s.

The team said cats have “tapped into” a human bias – producing a sound that humans find very difficult to ignore.

Ah-ha! So that’s not a “Good morning, glad you’re awake!” purr. It’s a “Feed me, slave” purr.

Admit it. We always knew it.

And there’s video.

And a contribution page. Kick in a couple of bucks. This woman is a saint.