Do Cats Like Music?

Cats are often seen as enigmatic and independent creatures, but did you know that some of them actually enjoy music? It might sound unusual to picture a cat enjoying a melody, but many felines seem to take pleasure in listening to music, just like their human companions.

"Although we can't say with certainty whether cats 'like' music, research indicates that certain types of music can influence their stress levels. Classical music, for example, has been found to have a calming effect, while heavy metal can increase stress," explains Samantha Bell, a cat behavior expert from Best Friends Animal Society. "So, in a way, we can infer that classical music helps cats feel more at ease."

Some cats have even gained fame for their musical interests. Take Nora, for instance—a talented feline pianist who has appeared on national television and even had a performance featured at Carnegie Hall. Nora's owner, Betsy Alexander, first noticed her cat's fascination with music when she began playing the piano. To her surprise, Nora started imitating the sounds and eventually began creating her own tunes.

But what is it about music that appeals to some cats? It’s believed that the rhythmic patterns and vibrations in music may resonate with felines in a way similar to how humans experience it. In fact, cats might be able to pick up on certain frequencies and pitches that are beyond human hearing.

If you’re curious to see whether your cat has a musical side, you can experiment by playing different genres of music and observing their reactions. Some cats might tap their paws, tilt their heads, or even sway gently in response to the sound.

Just like humans, each cat has unique tastes when it comes to music. However, research suggests that felines respond more positively to music designed specifically for them. These compositions typically incorporate sounds and rhythms that mimic natural feline auditory stimuli, such as birds chirping, rustling leaves, or even purring.

Musicians and researchers have delved deeper into this idea. Composer David Teie, for example, developed Music for Cats, a collection of compositions tailored to feline listeners. These tracks blend classical music elements with cat-friendly sounds, including purring and gentle suckling noises, to promote relaxation.

Some of Teie’s compositions even include bird calls, soft whirring sounds, and uplifting tones that could energize a lethargic cat. Additionally, Teie collaborated with Spotify to create a playlist called Mellow Meowsic, incorporating his research-based principles into a feline-friendly audio experience.

Beyond cat-specific music, certain classical pieces—especially those with slower tempos and deeper tones—may also have a calming effect. However, loud or sudden noises can startle cats, so it's best to keep the volume at a comfortable level and observe your pet’s behavior to gauge their enjoyment.

Ultimately, while not every cat may have a penchant for music, some certainly do. If you’re a cat owner looking to explore this side of your pet’s personality, try playing different types of music and see how they respond. You might just discover that your feline friend has a hidden appreciation for a good melody!