Creature Feature – Music to Soothe the “Savage Beast”

Whenever I leave the house, I put on music for my dog. Apparently, I’m not alone, as a recent study found that 71 percent of pet owners leave music on for their fur family. Numerous studies have shown that playing reggae, soft rock, or classical music can reduce aggression and stress levels in dogs, resulting in less barking, whining, and other anxious behaviors. These particular musical genres can lower dogs’ heart rates and their stress hormone levels, soothing them into a more relaxed and restful state. Researchers say that music also works to mask anxiety-inducing sounds like thunder or the constant barking within animal shelters, and it can provide environmental enrichment. 

What about cats—do they benefit from background music? The answer is yes, according to studies led by the late Charles Snowdon, an esteemed Professor of Psychology. However, his research discovered that “cat music”—that is specific songs that include ultrasound frequencies that only cats can hear, with musical patterns that mirror purring and kitten sounds—elicited more positive responses from cats than did mere human songs, to which they showed no real interest (not surprising, considering the superiority complex of cats). Spotify used this science combined with its own survey data to create the “Mellow Meowsic” playlist for cats. 

Channeling my inner-cat curiosity, I wondered: does Alexa offer “music for cats?” Yep! Just ask! Alexa also has a “classical for pets” station on Amazon music. In fact, it’s playing right now—and I must say, it’s quite soothing.

Article by Margie Manthey
Image generated by Meta AI