Owning a cat has always felt like being in tune with a mysterious, elegant, and often perplexing creature. Cats appear to derive enormous pleasure from simplistic activities, such as chasing the red dot of a laser pointer. Yet, when it comes to satisfying their ears, a question that often springs to our minds is, “Do cats enjoy music?” If indeed they do, what kind of music do they prefer? Interestingly, science has made some observations relevant to these questions.
A Look at the Cat Senses and Their Ability to Hear Music
Without a doubt, the sonic capabilities of cats are distinct from those of humans. With a hearing range of up to 65 kHz, cats can perceive ultrasonic sounds that surpass the auditory limits of humans, who can only hear sounds up to 20 kHz. This profound difference in perception allows cats to experience music in a way that is unseen and unheard by us.
Do Cats Enjoy Music?
Observing from an individualistic point of view, it’s safe to say that proportions of preferences can vary across the feline species. However, a study conducted by researchers and published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science in 2015 proposed that music, specifically composed for cats can instill a sense of curiosity in them and relax them to a significant extent.
The study suggests that cat music typically assimilates to tempos and frequencies commonly seen in cat communications. Ideally, the tempo should be reflective of purring, while the frequencies should mimic the ones seen in cat-to-cat interactions.
What Kind of Music Do Cats Like?
This question brings us to the remarkable work of the American cellist, David Teie. With the concept of ‘Music for Cats,’ Teie incorporated commensurate frequencies and tempos that align with cats’ sounds, such as purring and suckling noises. Significantly, a study in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery endorsed this approach as it observed a better response from cats to this music, compared to human music.
But as always, it’s important to remember that these findings are not universal. Some cats have been observed to respond with enthusiasm to bird chirping sounds, classical music, or even the rhythm of the rain.
How to Know When Your Cat Likes Music?
Recognizing whether your cat indeed enjoys music requires keen observation of their behavior. How they react — increased purring, noticeable relaxation, approach towards the speaker, or even simply ignoring the music — can provide useful clues. If they show signs of distress or discomfort, such as hiding, hissing, or growling, it’s probably best to turn off the music.
How Music May Help Your Cat and Influence Their Mood
Cats, like all creatures, experience a range of emotions, and the environment they live in plays an essential role in determining their mood. Exposure to music can help create a calming effect, particularly tailored music that mimics natural cat communication sounds. It has been observed to lower stress levels, leading to healthier cats both physically and emotionally.
What Genres of Music Upset Cats?
Just as some types of music can positively affect cats, some genres can also upset them. Much human music played loudly can be distressing due to the difference in frequencies and decibel levels that cats are used to. Specifically, music with heavy bass or very high frequencies, as well as sudden or unexpected noises, can cause fear or anxiety.
Do Cats Like White Noise?
White noise machines or fans can provide a soothing backdrop that drowns out other potentially disturbing noises that could disrupt your cat’s peace. However, as with music, it’s essential to observe your cat’s individual reactions.
Do Some Cats Prefer Silence To Music?
While music can have a calming effect, some cats might prefer silence. Recognizing your cat’s individual preferences is key to their wellbeing. If the music seems to be causing more stress than relaxation, it might be better to turn it off.
Should I Leave Music On For My Cat?
Leaving music on for your pet cat can be beneficial, especially when you’re not home. It can provide comfort and help keep them calm. Lower volume, calming sounds, or ‘Music for Cats’ can be ideal choices.
Cat Music Found to Lower Stress Levels
Music, specifically made for cats, has shown potential in reducing stress levels in cats. The familiar frequencies and tempos aid in creating an environment that your cat can associate with safety and security, thus lowering stress.
Cats Respond To Familiar Sounds
Cats are more likely to react positively to familiar sounds, including those that mimic natural communication. Whether it’s a tempo resembling purring or the sounds added by ‘Music for Cats,’ incorporating familiar sounds can make all the difference.
Conclusion
So, are cats musical creatures? All the findings point towards a positive answer. It seems that cats not only appreciate music but are also affected by the type and tempo of the tunes to which they are exposed. To sum up, music can be instrumental (pun intended) in influencing a cat’s mood and creating a calming, stress-free environment. However, make sure it is played at a low volume and is not causing distress in any way.
While some cats might respond better to music than others, overall, the potential for music as a tool to enhance the happiness and health of our feline friends is immense. As we continue to explore the significance of music in animal behavior studies, ‘Music for Cats’ might become a genre that cat owners come to embrace not as an eccentricity, but as a norm in their furry friends’ lives.