Picture this: It's a lazy Sunday afternoon. You’re lounging on the couch with your favorite tunes playing softly in the background. And just when the chorus is about to hit, you notice your cat moving its head and tapping its paws with the beats, as if they’ve heard the song multiple times before and is part of their lounging playlist.
Looks like you’ve already noticed something similar and went straight on the internet to find out if it’s true. Well, you’ve come to the right place for sure.
Cats are known for their discerning tastes and aloof attitudes, but when it comes to music, things get a bit more mysterious. To understand it better, we’ll have to learn about cats and their listening abilities.
Cats can hear sounds up to 64,000 Hz. We humans, on the other hand, can hear only between 20 - 20,000 Hz. (2) This means that a cat’s ears are way more sensitive than ours. When it comes to music, cats seem to tolerate music that is light and soothing. Genres like rock and heavy metal are definitely a no-go for cats. Moreover, even soft music when played at a high volume can irritate them. So, if you’re planning to take your cat along to the next Coldplay concert, it may not be a great idea. (but definitely an unmissable one for you).
Do Cats Like Classical Music?
Cats may not be great fans of human music but if there’s one genre which they would prefer the best is Classical. This is because, unlike most other genres, classical music usually has low to no bass or any high-pitched instruments like an electric guitar. Having said that, there may be some classical pieces that your cat may not like. (1)
Do Cats Like Jazz?
We cannot say for sure that all cats will like jazz music but looking at the type of music that makes cats feel comfortable, there is a high chance that your cat may like Jazz. Jazz has subtle nuances that are calming and consistent.
But if you’re planning to jam with your cat on some Miles Davis or Louis Armstrong, make sure that you keep the volume very low and slowly introduce it to them. Taking your cat straight to a jazz concert may not be the best idea.
Do Cats Like Flute Music?
Flutes are again very calming and do not come with any bass. We’ve read stories on certain forums of different cat parents who tried to play flute for their cats. They had a positive experience with it. But then again, some were saying that their cat ran behind them to hit them while they were playing the flute.
You can try playing legends like James Galway or Rakesh Chaurasia for starters before trying your hands. Who knows if the cat was running to hit only because the owner was not a very good flute player?
What Music Do Cats Like Best?
If you’re wondering which of your favorite singers is your cat going to like the most so you both can jam on it together, there’s some bad news for you. The music that we make is tuned to the tempos of our heartbeats and falls into a scale of vocal and acoustic range that we can process. Our feline buddies have different biological make-up. There is research going on currently to create music pieces that can be at the same range at which cats communicate with each other. (1)
So, get some music with has feline-appropriate tone, pitch, and tempo and you might even see your cat rubbing themselves against the speakers and purring.
Should I Play Music for my Cats?
There is a high chance that your cat might just prefer silence. We know that you have good intentions to play some music for your cat. And yes, music has been known to cure medical conditions as severe as depression as well in humans. But when it comes to cats, we we said above, our music won’t really jam with them!
But if you are really keen on putting some music on for your cat then you can try some white noise. It has been found that cats do feel relaxed with white noise on. It can also help reduce stress caused by other loud noises like fireworks for your cat. (3)
But if you’re playing the music for yourself and your cat happens to just be around, it would be wise to put headphones on as you do not want your cat to get anxious and cause some unwanted behaviors.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Music preferences can be completely subjective to each cat. Some may like classical while others may run away from it. While you find the perfect genre for your cat, we’ve found something else that’s perfect for your cat – Pet health insurance.
With a Spot accident and illness plan, you can take your cat for treatment at any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Spot plans don’t have networks, so whether you’re home or traveling within the U.S, veterinary services your cat receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of eligible services can be covered. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions, ranging from broken bones and bite wounds to behavioral conditions, and cancer. While base plans do not offer coverage for preventive care services, Spot’s Wellness Riders can be added to any base plan for an additional fee and can help cover the eligible costs of wellness exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more!
Learn more about cat insurance or get a free quote!
And here’s another gift for you at the end - American cellist David Teie curated a music playlist specifically for cats. His album “Music for Cats” was designed to mimic natural sounds like purring and suckling.
You just got two great products for your cat!
The resident animal enthusiast at Spot. I have a lifetime of pet parent experience. If it has fur, feathers, or scales, I’ve probably shared my home with it. I aim to be a reliable source, blending experience with a dedication to the well-being of pets.
