Do Cats Prefer Classical Music? A Deep Dive into Feline Music Appreciation
In a previous post titled Do Cats Enjoy Music?, we explored the topic of music and cats. Today, we revisit this theme with a more specific inquiry: do cats have a preference for classical music, or do they resonate with any particular genre?
The Impact of Classical Music on Cats
Have you ever noticed your cat’s reaction to certain pieces of music? For instance, listening to Beethoven’s “Für Elise” might trigger your feline friend to flick their tail, or the dramatic sounds from the “Molossus” soundtrack from Batman Begins might make their pupils dilate and ears perk up.
Scientific Inquiry into Feline Music Preferences
If you’ve pondered whether your cat enjoys music, you’re not alone. Scientists have conducted multiple research studies aiming to identify the type of music that resonates with felines. A notable study conducted by Snowdon et al. in May 2015, published in Applied Animal Behavior, indicates that “cats prefer species-appropriate music.”
In their research, the authors identified that for cats to enjoy music, it must exhibit familiar tempos and align with the frequency ranges used in their communications. Ideal feline music would feature mid-to-high-pitched sounds akin to their meows and low-frequency vibrations similar to their purrs.
Creating Music for Cats
The researchers even proposed a music framework tailored for cats, underscoring the significant differences between feline sounds and human music genres. They composed a sample song—”Cozmo’s Air”—designed specifically for feline enjoyment. Cat owners are encouraged to play this piece for their pets and observe their reactions.
Exploring Different Musical Genres
In a study conducted by academics from the University of Lisbon, Portugal, researchers found that cats could exhibit varying behaviors—relaxation or stress—depending on the music genre being played.
The study involved 12 cats who were anesthetized for surgery. During the procedure, headphones were placed over their ears and various music genres—classical, pop, and rock—were played in two-minute intervals. Researchers employed heart rate monitors and analyzed pupil diameter to measure the effects of music.
Results of Music Impact on Cats
It was noted that classical music, particularly Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, resulted in decreased heartbeats and smaller pupil diameters, indicating a calming effect on the cats. Conversely, rock music, such as AC/DC’s Thunderstruck, increased heartbeat rates and pupil dilation, suggesting heightened stress levels. A pop song was found to have minimal impact on these metrics.
Notably, cats exposed to classical music during surgery exhibited faster recovery times, further supporting the idea that classical music has a soothing impact on felines.
Understanding Your Cat’s Musical Preferences
While it appears that cats generally respond positively to classical music, this does not conclusively determine their musical preferences. Your cat might have a surprising affinity for genres like country pop or rock. Perhaps they would be a fan of the Ramones!
Join the Conversation
If you had to guess, which songs represent your cat’s personality? Do you notice any behavioral changes when different genres of music are played? We invite you to share your experiences in the comments section below!
This article was contributed by Sir Alfredy Wilshire, MD/PhD, a red tabby researcher with a focus on feline cognitive behaviors. Sir Alfredy currently resides in sunny San Diego where he enjoys blogging and relaxing to classical music.
For cat lovers interested in experimenting with tailored music, consider purchasing the Music for Cats CD by David Teie.
We look forward to reading your thoughts in the “Leave a Reply” section below!
