Do Cats Enjoy the Music We Listen To?

While cats and dogs cannot perceive music as we do, their reactions to different types of music can be quite revealing. Many people wonder if their cat enjoys the music they listen to, and the answer is often a resounding no. Cats do not have the same range of cilia in their cochlea to process sound in a way that allows them to enjoy music like humans do. However, a few anecdotes and scientific insights can shed some light on this fascinating topic.

Observations: Music and Cats

Several years ago, my husband and I were sitting in the living room enjoying a broadcast of classical music, and our Siamese cat was peacefully sleeping in the middle of the floor. Suddenly, the broadcast switched to something more modern, perhaps a composition by Arnold Schoenberg or a similar contemporary piece. The cat sat up, one ear perked, and attempted to go back to sleep. But then, she perked up both ears, stood up, and stalked out of the room. She stood in the doorway, meowing indignantly, until we changed the station. She then returned to sleep, evidently satisfied with the change.

Golden Ears Unfolding: Cat Sensory Abilities

Some cats, however, can respond to different kinds of music in interesting ways. They possess what one might call "golden ears," as their five clairsenses (clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, clairclarity, and clairtangibility) are much more developed than ours. A memorable instance of this occurred with my late cat, Maude. I was watching a TV show featuring buzzards fighting wild African dogs over a carcass, and unexpectedly, Maude sat on the coffee table seemingly enraptured by Mozart’s Missa in Honorem Sanctissimae Trinitatis. However, it's important to note that the source of her fascination could have been the TV show, not the music itself. Feline culture is quite different from human culture, and what we perceive as music may not be what comforts or pleases them.

Pet-Owner Insights

Witnessing a different response from your pet can be enlightening. My Jack Russell terrier, for example, would come into the living room where I was playing old-time fiddle or clawhammer banjo, lie down on the couch next to me or by my feet, and stay there until I finished playing. This behavior made me believe that he enjoyed the music. It's impossible to say for certain what he experienced, but his continued presence and apparent contentment suggest that he found it comforting.

Another interesting case involves my Syrian hamster, Nessie. The last few warm days have allowed me to set up my guitar amp and pedals in the living room, a slightly cooler environment where Nessie lives. I practice wearing headphones to ensure that she only hears a tinny jingle, minimizing any potential auditory disturbance. Nessie's reaction to this setup is quite telling.

Nessie’s Response to Music

Nessie, a normally placid and friendly hamster, clearly does not enjoy any kind of music. She does not appreciate the presence of people in the same room during the evening, especially when she is awake. Her displeasure is evident, as she throws her wooden cupcake toy around or adopts a bear-like stance, glaring at me. This shows that not all pets respond positively to music, and their comfort and well-being should always be prioritized.

In conclusion, while cats and other pets cannot and do not perceive music in the same way humans do, their behavior and reactions can provide some insight into what they find comforting or disturbing. It's essential to respect their preferences and create a comfortable living environment for them.