When reading about ways to reduce stress for cats, many times I run into the advice of putting on some music to distract your cats from noises that could be scary. This is a really good suggestion, but do you know what your cat’s taste in music is? How would you know if they are enjoying what they are hearing? How do you know if it’s safe?

Cats have a sense of hearing that is much stronger than humans’, so putting on the right tunes is important. Cats can hear both higher-pitched and lower-pitched sounds that humans cannot and their hearing is even better than dogs’. Research shows that a cat's hearing range (in Hz) is 45 to 64,000, compared to 64 to 23,000 in humans. Cats’ ears are built for hunters - they can hear a mouse rustling in a distance. That sensitivity also means that long exposure to loud music can damage their hearing.

Researchers found that some sounds can reduce stress levels in cats, like the sounds of purring or suckling. Researcher and Musician David Teie embedded these sounds into Music for Cats, music that was developed for feline ears, while also being pleasant for humans. The music is performed by a 10-person ensemble on violin, cello, harp, bass, piano, percussion, bass clarinet, and bassoon, and was proven to help cats who are stressed.

Now, when you travel, in-between visits by your cat’s favorite pet sitter, they can listen to relaxing music. Just make sure it’s not too loud, to protect their sensitive ears. When you’re at home, you can listen together, and pounce to your cat’s favorite song.