While humans find joy in music, we may wonder if our feline companions share the same sentiment. Are cats actually fond of music, and do they derive any benefits from listening to it? Let's explore the topic and delve into the research behind cats and their relationship with music.
Do cats like music?
Have you ever tried playing your favorite song for your cat? You may have noticed that regardless of how catchy or energetic the music is, your cat seems disinterested or unaffected by it. While there are rare instances where certain types of music have been found to have a calming effect on cats, such as classical music in some cat shelters, there isn't substantial evidence to support this claim. If cats appear relaxed or snoozing while classical music is playing, it's more likely that they were already ready for a nap rather than being lulled to sleep by Mozart's melodies. Cats generally don't exhibit a strong response to music unless it is played at a very high volume, causing them to seek a quieter space.
The research
It turns out that even scientists are curious about cats' musical preferences! Recent research published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science delves into the topic of what cats actually enjoy about music, if anything at all.
The study reveals that while cats don't show a specific preference for the music their owners listen to, it doesn't mean they are completely indifferent to music. In fact, music for cats seems to be quite significant! The key lies in understanding how we communicate: human music is based on our language and how we interact with the world, which differs greatly from the language and interactions of our feline companions.
So, even if your pet doesn't seem captivated by Jay Z or find Bach particularly soothing, it doesn't mean they dislike music entirely. It simply suggests that cats have their own unique preferences when it comes to music, which may differ from our own.
Music for cats
So why is it that cats don't seem to connect with human music? More importantly, how can we create music that actually appeals to them?
The recognition that music is specific to each species has led researchers to explore what makes certain types of music suitable for different species. The music we enjoy as humans incorporates tempos that align with the rhythm of our hearts and falls within a vocal and acoustic range that we can perceive and process.
Cats, on the other hand, have a different biological makeup and different sensory abilities, making it understandable that the music appealing to them would possess different qualities. Scientists are still investigating the specific kind of music that cats prefer and are beginning to compose pieces that align with the range at which cats communicate with each other.
Cat senses
Cats possess highly sensitive senses, surpassing our own capabilities in terms of sound and smell. Understanding how cats experience the world is a key factor in determining whether they enjoy music.
Human music is designed to appeal to our senses, and the same should be considered for music created for cats.
Cats' whiskers are incredibly sensitive to even the slightest vibrations in the air, and their hearing is highly developed. These factors suggest that the music we enjoy might be too loud or have excessive bass for their liking.
Research has revealed that when music is tailored to cats' senses and communication patterns, their experience of it completely changes. While your cat may show indifference to your favorite song, they demonstrate clear enjoyment when exposed to music that incorporates feline-appropriate tones, pitches, and tempos. They have even been observed rubbing against speakers and purring!
The evidence strongly indicates that cats do indeed like music. Continued research in this species-specific field could lead to the discovery of a whole new range of music specifically designed for our beloved pets. This would enrich their sensory experience, provide mental stimulation, and offer something for them to simply enjoy! However, it's worth noting that since your cat might not appreciate your taste in music, you might not necessarily enjoy theirs either...