Do Cats Love or Hate Music? The Truth Behind Your Kitty’s Musical Tastes

Music is probably a big part of your life. But while you might like to occasionally jam out to some tunes, how do you know if your cat loves music? Your furry friends probably has plenty of quirky behaviours (like dropping in on your yoga mat or knocking things off tables), but it’s a little hard to imagine Mr Whiskers rocking out to your favourite band too. Below, Cat in a Flat finds out if cats love or hate music and the truth behind your feline’s musical tastes! 

Do cats love music?

Do cats love music? If you’ve ever played a song for your kitty, you’ve probably noticed that they don’t seem to pay much attention. Unless the music is loud, your furry friend probably won’t react when you ‘put the record on’. But does this mean your cat hates music? Or are they just hiding their love for the tunes? 

Research shows that a lack of reaction from your cat doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t love music. Mr Whiskers might not show a preference for specific types of music, but they aren’t completely indifferent to how it sounds either. It all depends on the feline’s personality and the type of music. For example, your furry friend will feel more relaxed when you play soft classical music as opposed to heavy metal. 

It’s also important to keep in mind that human music is made, well, for humans. Music is species specific and kitties communicate in very different ways than we do. It’s only understandable they would prefer different music, too. Read on to find out what kind of music your cat is most likely to love. 

Is it good to play music for my cat?

Is it good to play music for my cat? Playing music for your kitty can be a nice way to spend time together. It can also be a relaxing experience for the both of you! However, keep in mind that your fur friend has sensitive ears—much more perceptive than yours. Felines can hear a much wider frequency of sounds than humans. This exceptional hearing makes them great hunters (and a danger to local wildlife), but also sensitive to loud noises and high volumes. 

Not only that, but your cat’s whiskers play a role in how much they love (or hate) music too. Whiskers help your kitty to navigate in the dark, hunt for prey, and even communicate. These amazing sensory tools can also pick up vibrations in the air—including those from music. Overstimulation from loud tunes will cause your fur friend to become stressed and anxious. 

So, while can be good to play music for your cat, here are a few guidelines to follow to make sure they love it as much as you do: 

• Play the music at a volume your feline is comfortable with. Start very low and only increase it slightly if your kitty appears comfortable and relaxed. 
• Make sure Mr Whiskers has safe and quiet hiding spaces they can retreat to if they get tired of the music. 
• Pay attention to your fur friend’s body language. If they show signs of stress such as dilated eyes or ears pressed back against their skull, you should turn the music off. 
• Play calming music while doing a fun activity your cat loves. For example, have some music on at a low volume while playing with your kitty. 

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What types of music do cats love?

 What types of music do cats love? Every kitty is different, so it’s possible one feline might love music, while another prefers silence. Most researchers agree that cats prefer music that’s made just for them. A species-specific music will incorporate sounds and frequencies that are soothing to your fur friend. 

Sounds from kittenhood

If there is a sound your cat enjoyed as a kitten, they will most likely carry this into adulthood. Some of the first sounds your furry friend heard were their mother’s heartbeat and purring. Even the sound of suckling on a teat can be comforting. Feline music will pair noises like these with calming classical or jazz music, or with natural sounds such as sea waves. It will probably have an equally soothing impact on you too!  

High frequencies

Higher frequencies tend to be more appealing to Mr Whiskers. So, your cat might love the sound of higher pitched instruments like the violin or cello. Of course, remember to keep it at a reasonable volume so as not to stress your feline. 

When to play music for your cat

There are many ways to incorporate music into your kitty’s life. Playing music during stressful events or on a daily basis can help soothe and calm Mr Whiskers. 

Play music…

• To mask other loud noises. Thunderstorms, fireworks, and noisy traffic can cause stress for your fur friend. Playing music can help drown out these sounds and distract your kitty. 
• Before vet visits. Trips to the vet are never fun, so it can help to play calming music while getting your kitty in their carrier and traveling to the veterinary practice. 
• When leaving home. You can’t explain to Mr Whiskers that you’ll be back, so they may get worried whenever you leave—regardless of if you’re only headed to work for the day or on a longer trip. It may help to put music on a timer to play for an hour or so after you’re gone. You can also ask your cat sitterto put on calming music during their daily visits with your kitty. 
• To create enrichment. Having a cat-friendly home and plenty of daily stimulation is important for Mr Whiskers’ physical and mental health. Music made for cats can serve as a great source of mental stimulation. 
• As part of your daily routine. Routine is important to our furry friends, and your cat might love to have music as part of their daily groove! Try playing calming music at around the same time every day—preferably around bedtime. This will signal to your feline that it’s time to relax and go to sleep. 

All research seems to point to cats liking (maybe even loving) certain types of music. But what about things your fur friend doesn’t like? Read up on 6 things cats hate (and how to avoid them) and common smells your feline isn’t a fan of.