Cats and Music

Some animal shelters play classical music because it has a calming effect on the cats and other residents. There are CDs made especially for cats. At least one cat enjoys playing piano.

So cats in general seem to like music. Why? For that matter, why do humans like music? No one knows the complete answer; it’s somewhat of a mystery. Are there similarities in how cats and humans listen to and appreciate music? We can reasonably speculate that there are, but who really, fully understands the nuanced aesthetic sensibilities of the feline mind?

This article asks far more questions than it answers, but often the questions are at least as interesting, fun, and thought-provoking as the answers.

Why Is Music Appealing to Humans and Other Creatures?

Many species respond to sounds in similar ways: We become alert, wary, frightened, and/or ready to flee when we hear a sudden, loud, unfamiliar noise. We are soothed by steady sounds such as gentle rain or a light breeze wafting through the trees. We become accustomed to, and look forward to the voices of our human and nonhuman friends.

Before we’re born, we hear the rhythm of heartbeats and perhaps sense repeating patterns such as walking. We’re soon exposed to the sounds of nature, such as birds singing and crickets chirping, as well as the cadences of human voices, not to mention feline meows and purrs.

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