Are you a pet lover? Do cats enjoy music? It is common knowledge that several pet owners have noticed how their cat reacts when presented with music, which can vary from intrigued to indifferent, and many walked away.
However, is it that the cats really love the music or is it just the noises to them? Cats do not perceive sound the same way as humans do since they do not associate music with emotions.
Their sharp auditory senses are for survival’s sake, and their experiences of music are unlike any others.
To know whether cats appreciate music, it is important to dig into their biology, behaviour, and even their scientific studies to try to interpret their response to sound.
So, we will see if there is any chance that your cat may come to the music from the background.
Understanding a Cat’s Hearing Abilities
Hearing is one of those extraordinary abilities. Cats can hear better than we do and, in fact, better than dogs in some ways. They have a fine tuned auditory system that is well tuned to high pitched frequencies, making them able to locate the prey in the wild.
- It has a frequency range from 48 Hz to 85 kHz (it’s a much wider range than humans can hear, 20 Hz to 20 kHz).
- Background: Directional hearing: their ears can rotate 180 degrees, enabling them to ‘sense’ slight movements.
Other words for this include heightened sensitivity and the ability to hear a mouse’s footsteps from several meters away.
Since sound production and detection in cats do not necessarily coincide with the human sound spectrum, it follows that music designed for humans may not be the best music for cats.
How Cats Perceive Music
Music is processed based on emotion for humans, while for cats, the way they interpret sound depends on survival instincts.
Here are some factors that determine their reaction to music:
- The pitch: This one is tricky, and I don’t have a clear idea about it, but I think it has to do with the fact that higher frequencies may be more engaging and low tones are not familiar.
- Sound Tempo: Fast music can be charged, and slow music is less charged.
- The second is volume: cats are very sensitive to noise, which can be stress causing.
Cats don’t take melodies and harmonies as we do, but it doesn’t mean they will not pay attention to some sounds or it won’t bring them comfort.
Scientific Research on Cats and Music
Studies on how cats react to music have been carried out by scientists in a controlled manner. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin are one of the few groups to have studied the ill effects of past trauma on brain health. In one such study, they found that
Specific music for cats’ hearing range received positive responses from cats.
Although human music (especially those with bass heavy sounds) had little or no impact on them.
These led to relaxation signs, including purring and kneading, in feline compositions.
However, based on this research, I recommend that while human music does not seem to please cats, a custom made composition can also affect cat mood and learn Is Peppermint Safe for Cats?
Species-Specific Music: A Breakthrough
A revolutionary idea that also involves specific music that has its sound frequencies fused to the hearing powers of each separate animal.
- Irit also turns to composers, such as David Teie, who have written music just for cats, which employs similar purring and kitten suckling noises.
- It has been shown that playing cat species-specific music reduces those stress related behaviours in clinical settings.
- Feline music is used to soothe anxious cats here and there, at veterinary clinics and animal shelters.
So this innovation strongly implies that cats can be Aria fans too, even if they don’t receive music the same way we do. And just check How Do Cats Mate?
Genres of Music and Their Impact on Cats
| Music Genre | Common Feline Reaction |
| Classical | Promotes relaxation, may reduce stress |
| Rock & Metal | Often stressful may cause agitation |
| Jazz & Blues | The neutral reaction depends on instrument tones |
| Electronic & Ambient | Often stressful, may cause agitation |
Felines are generally in favour of calming compositions with soft and high frequency sounds.
How Cats React to Different Instruments
String instruments (violins, harps) may sound like feline vocalisations, which draws feline’s interest.
- A few kitties relax to wind instruments (flutes, saxophones) and a few will simply disregard them
- Drums and cymbals (percussion as a whole): Usually stressful because of the sudden and loud sound.
- If the music features bird sounds chirping, rustling leaves, etc., cats will be more likely to listen to it.
Music as a Tool for Stress Reduction
The use of music as a therapeutic tool is increasingly being utilized with cats.
- Soft music in veterinary environments reduces anxiety in waiting rooms.
- They play calm tunes to rescue shelters, causing the stress levels of abandoned cats to decrease.
- Gentle melodies create a calm environment for home alone felines.
Feline well being could be enhanced using a non invasive technique such as music therapy. and read Can Foxes Attack Cats?
Practical Tips for Playing Music for Your Cat
Volume should be kept low, in order not to disturb the child too much.
Purring and slow blinking are signs of enjoyment; flattened ears and hiding are distress.
- Try other sounds to determine what your cat reacts to the most. Common Myths About Cats and Music
- Myth: All cats enjoy music. Fact: It has worked with some, and yet others don’t care one bit.
- Myth: Cats recognise human songs. Fact: They send a response to frequencies, not a song’s lyrics.
- Myth: Loud music excites cats. Truth: High pitched, gentle sounds are the thing they prefer.
comparing Cats’ Reactions to Music
A cat, on the other hand, is less likely to bond with an owner by shared musical experience, as even dogs do.
- Birds don’t mind rhythmic patterns.
- Classical to heavy preference was shown by dogs.
- Cats prefer individualised sound frequencies.
Wrap up on Do Cats Enjoy Music?
It may never be true that a cat enjoys music the way we humans do, but to a cat, sounds within its natural range can do more than just stimulate the ears sometimes.
Such compositions with species-specific compositions have yielded promising results for calming felines and providing a more comfortable environment for them.
However, as research carries on, pet owners could experiment with dissimilar tunes to the same end and see what functions best for their hairy mates. Also read Is Silver Vine Safe for Cats?
FAQ: Do Cats Enjoy Music?
Q1: do cats listen to music?
Ans: While cats can listen to music, that does not mean that they are big fans of the concept, and they prefer the species sound. Some may be soothed by classical or soft music, while some frequencies find live cats too quiet or gentle and prefer cat frequencies instead.
Q2: Do Cats Enjoy Music when sleeping?
Ans: Soft, calming music while sleeping may be soothing to cats, especially classical or specially designed feline music. Gentle sounds and slow tempos can be a great relaxing factor, helping you get a restful nap and fixing a suitable sleep schedule to eliminate stress.
Q3: Do Cats like Music when left alone?
Ans: Some cats may enjoy soft music or sounds while they are left alone, as these can make them calm. However, music preference varies from cat to cat.
Q4: is it good for cats to play music?
Ans: Bearing this in mind, playing music for cats can have effects, for example calming ones. Soft or classical music may reduce your anxiety and stress. But every cat is unique, and they will have to observe how their cat reacts to it.
Q5: do cats like piano music?
Ans: The piano is gentle and soothing, which is why many cats respond so positively to it, especially pianissimo melodies. POTS can also help to soothe them and reduce their anxiety.