Cats can be particular about the sounds they like and don’t like. Understanding what kinds of sounds and music cats find relaxing can help create a calm environment for them. Here’s an overview of the sounds and music cats tend to find soothing.
Purring
One of the most well-known relaxing sounds for cats is purring. Cats purr not only when they’re content, but also as a self-soothing mechanism when they’re scared or in pain. The rhythmic vibration and sound of purring can help cats relieve stress and anxiety. Kittens even purr when nursing, signaling contentment to their mother. So purring can be thought of as a cat’s version of comfort food.
Certain Music and Sounds
While cats don’t enjoy all types of music, certain genres and sounds tend to have a calming effect on them. Here are some examples:
- Classical music – The tempo and tones of classical music often seem soothing to cats. Baroque music by composers like Bach or Vivaldi can be especially relaxing.
- Natural sounds – Sounds like bird songs, rainfall, or ocean waves replicate the natural environment and can have a calming effect for cats.
- Soothing piano music – Slow piano instrumental music without lyrics can help cats relax.
- Calming tunes – Certain calming tunes created just for pets contain tones and tempos that can decrease anxiety in cats.
- White noise – Steady, unobtrusive white noise like fans or sound machines can be relaxing as it muffles loud or abrupt sounds.
The sounds should be played at a low, comfortable volume to have the best calming impact on cats. Every cat has individual sound preferences, so it’s worth experimenting to see what your cat responds to best.
Why Certain Sounds Soothe Cats
Researchers aren’t entirely sure why cats are soothed by certain sounds like purring or music. Here are some possible reasons:
- Low frequencies – Cats hear best at lower frequency ranges, so deeper, richer sounds may be more pleasing to their ears.
- Predictable rhythms – The steady beat and repetition in music can have a lulling effect, like a cat’s purr.
- Association with safety – Sounds like purrs and white noise associate with comfort and security for cats.
- Distraction from stressors – The music shifts cats’ attention away from whatever is causing anxiety or fear.
Interestingly, while cats can detect higher frequencies better than humans, they may actually find those high-pitched sounds unpleasant. This is why they tend to prefer deeper, lower-frequency sounds.
Sounds That Bother Cats
Just as some sounds soothe cats, others can cause stress and irritation. Here are some examples of sounds cats generally don’t like:
- Loud, sudden noises – Vacuums, alarms, fireworks, and slammed doors can frighten cats.
- High-pitched sounds – Babies crying, dogs barking, or squeaky toys often annoy cats.
- Human arguments – Yelling or angry voices tend to upset cats.
- Other cats fighting – Aggressive vocalizations from other cats signal danger.
- Loud music – Especially with repetitive bass or screeching vocals.
Exposure to these types of sounds, even at low volumes, can be stressful over time. Watch for signs of anxiety like ears back, hiding, or aggressive behavior, and try to minimize the disruptive sounds when possible.
Benefits of Relaxing Sounds for Cats
Playing music or providing other calming sounds for cats can have many benefits, including:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Lowered blood pressure and heart rate
- Increased comfort and security
- More restful sleep
- Less vocalization and agitation
- Decreased unwanted behaviors like furniture scratching
Soothing sounds help trigger the relaxation response in cats’ brains and bodies. The results can be a calmer, happier cat.
Tips for Using Music to Relax Cats
Here are some tips for safely using music to help soothe your cat:
- Make sure the volume is low enough to avoid scaring your cat or damaging hearing. Quiet background level is ideal.
- Try different genres and sounds to see what your individual cat responds to best.
- Use high-quality speakers to reproduce soothing sounds accurately.
- Play the music when your cat seems stressed or overstimulated to encourage relaxation.
- Consider cat-specific music like Through a Cat’s Ear that is designed to engage and relax cats.
- Use calming sounds along with other soothing techniques like playtime or petting.
It may take some experimentation to discover your cat’s auditory preferences. Pay attention to your cat’s reactions to determine what types of sounds have the most positive, calming impact.
Conclusion
Music and sounds can be an effective relaxation tool for many cats. While cats have unique sound preferences, there are certain types of music and tones that tend to have a calming effect. Examples include classical music, nature sounds, cat-specific tunes, white noise, and of course a cat’s own purr. Playing these soothing sounds at a comfortable volume can help decrease stress and benefit cats’ wellbeing. With some experimentation, you can discover which melodies make your cat the most mellow.