Introduction
Ever played your favorite playlist and noticed your cat react, whether by flicking their ears, relaxing beside the speaker, or walking out of the room entirely?
You’re not imagining it. Cats really do respond to sound, and for some, music can be a calming, even enjoyable part of their environment.
But do cats like music, or are they just tolerating it? And if they do enjoy it, what kind of music appeals to them?
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What science says about cats and music
- How their hearing differs from ours
- What types of music they enjoy (and don’t)
- How to use music to relax or enrich your cat’s life
Let’s dive into the melodic world of feline ears.
Do Cats Like Music? What Research Says
Unlike dogs, whose body language is often more expressive and human-friendly, cats can be harder to read. So when scientists set out to study how cats respond to music, the results were fascinating.
🎵 The University of Wisconsin Study
One of the most notable studies on this topic was conducted by Charles Snowdon and David Teie at the University of Wisconsin. The researchers found that:
- Cats are largely indifferent to human music, regardless of genre
- But they respond positively to “species-specific music”, songs designed to mimic feline vocalizations
In the study, 47 domestic cats listened to both classical music and cat-specific compositions. While classical music received little to no reaction, the cat-centric tunes resulted in:
- Purring
- Rubbing against the speaker
- Relaxed posture or interest
The verdict? Yes, cats like music, just not necessarily the kind we do.
How Cats Hear Music Differently Than Humans
To understand what kinds of music cats like, it helps to understand how their hearing works.
👂 Cat Hearing Range vs. Human Hearing
- Humans: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Cats: 48 Hz to 85,000 Hz (!)
Cats can hear higher frequencies than dogs and humans, which means they’re especially sensitive to:
- High-pitched sounds
- Subtle vibrations
- Tone and volume shifts
⚠️ Why Some Music Might Stress Them Out
- Loud bass or treble can be overwhelming
- Sudden changes in tempo or tone may feel unpredictable
- Discordant or fast music (e.g., heavy metal) can cause stress or confusion
So, while you may find jazz or EDM relaxing, your cat may find it unsettling.
What Kind of Music Do Cats Prefer?
Cats don’t love music simply because it’s playing in the background, they prefer music that aligns with their own vocal patterns and emotional rhythms.
🎶 Species-Specific Music
Created by composer David Teie (co-author of the study), this genre of music is:
- Modeled after cat vocalizations (purring, suckling, chirping)
- Timed to match a cat’s resting heart rate (~120–140 BPM)
- Uses frequencies within a cat’s optimal hearing range
His album, Music for Cats, is available on Spotify and YouTube and has been used in:
- Homes
- Shelters
- Veterinary clinics
Cats exposed to this music showed signs of relaxation, reduced anxiety, and increased engagement.
Signs Your Cat Enjoys the Music
Want to know if your cat actually likes the music you’re playing? Look for positive body language:
- ✅ Laying down or curling up near the speaker
- ✅ Soft purring
- ✅ Slow blinking
- ✅ Kneading or grooming
- ✅ Head tilt or mild ear twitching (not frantic)
Cats who enjoy music may also stretch out fully, settle into a nap, or return to the room when the music is playing.
Signs Your Cat Dislikes the Music
Just as importantly, pay attention if your cat seems irritated or overwhelmed:
- ❌ Ears flattened sideways or back
- ❌ Flicking tail or tense posture
- ❌ Vocalizing (especially yowling)
- ❌ Leaving the room
- ❌ Hiding or restlessness
If your cat is reacting this way, turn off the music or switch to something calmer and quieter.
How to Introduce Music to Your Cat Safely
If your cat is new to music, introduce it the same way you would a new toy or space: slowly and gently.
Tips:
- Start with low volume, cats’ ears are incredibly sensitive
- Choose soft classical or ambient music first
- Observe their reaction from a distance
- Play during relaxed periods (e.g., naptime or bedtime)
- Avoid placing the speaker too close to their ears or hiding spots
Remember: music should enhance calm, not compete with your cat’s need for quiet.
Best Types of Music to Play for Cats
Based on research and real-world feedback, here’s a guide to cat-approved music genres:
✅ Cat-Specific Music
- Created for feline ears
- Available from David Teie and others on Spotify, YouTube, iTunes
- Ideal for enrichment, alone time, or anxiety
✅ Soft Classical
- Think Debussy, Satie, or Chopin
- Gentle tempo, no sudden changes
- Great for calming or background sound
✅ Nature Sounds or Ambient Music
- Rainfall, birds, soft ocean waves
- Can mimic the soothing white noise of a calm environment
- Ideal for stressed or anxious cats
✅ Instrumental Lullabies or Lo-Fi
- Consistent rhythm and non-jarring transitions
- Helps reduce overstimulation
When and Why to Use Music for Your Cat
You don’t have to be a music therapist to use sound as a tool for your cat’s wellbeing. Here are some situations where music can help:
🎧 1. During Stressful Events
- Vet visits (play in the carrier during travel)
- Fireworks or storms
- Moving homes
- New pet introductions
💤 2. To Encourage Rest and Routine
- Use calming music at bedtime or nap time
- Cats are creatures of habit, music can reinforce those rhythms
🏠 3. When You’re Not Home
- Helps reduce separation anxiety
- Offers comforting background noise
- Try looping playlists of cat-specific or ambient tunes
🐈 4. For Shelter and Foster Cats
- Music has been shown to lower stress levels in rescue cats
- Encourages calmness and improves adoptability
Common Questions: FAQs
Can I play music for my cat while I’m at work?
Yes! Just choose calm, cat-safe playlists. Don’t leave loud or jarring music playing for long hours.
Do kittens react differently than adult cats?
Kittens may be more curious or indifferent, but positive associations can help create a lifelong appreciation for calming sounds.
Can I play the same music every day?
Yes, familiarity builds comfort. Cats appreciate routine, including in their sensory environment.
Is loud music bad for cats?
Yes. Always play music at a low to moderate volume. Avoid anything with high-pitched frequencies, sudden beats, or chaotic transitions.
Do cats prefer silence over music?
Sometimes. Especially when napping or in a high-alert mood. Music should be optional and never forced.
Bonus: 5 Spotify/YouTube Playlists for Cats
If you’d like a quick start, check out:
- “Music for Cats” by David Teie
- “Cat Relaxation Music” by Relax My Cat
- “Calming Music for Pets”
- “Lofi for Cats” – ambient feline chill beats
- “Sleep Music for Cats and Dogs”
Try different ones and see which your cat responds to best!
Also Read - Why Do Cats Cover Their Food? Understanding the Curious Instinct Behind the Behavior
Conclusion
The answer is: yes, but only the right kind.
Cats aren’t likely to bop along to your favorite playlist or headbang to metal. But when music aligns with their natural hearing, emotional rhythms, and instinctual behaviors, it can truly resonate with them.
Whether you’re helping your cat settle into a new home, easing their anxiety, or just trying to create a peaceful space, the right music can become a powerful tool.
Just like us, cats crave comfort. And sometimes, the soft rhythm of a purr-mimicking melody is all it takes to make their world a little more peaceful.
