Expert: Dear Tabbi - 6/18/2008

Question
I am doing a research project for my music 370 class and my topic has to do with whether or not music affects animals. I was just curious if you knew if cats were affected by music and if so which types and in what ways? Thank you so much for your time.
Shannon Thue

Answer
Shannon,

Scientists the School Of Psychology Of Queens University in Northern Ireland did a study of music on shelter dogs in which they found that classical music was attributed to  relaxation in the dogs, more rest periods, and their barking was reduced. Heavy metal music was found to increase agitation, barking, and pacing. Pop music had no affect on them.

Soothing music is also recommended for cats that are stressed, left alone alot, and/or have age related stress like losing their eyesight or hearing. For a deaf and/or blind cat they are soothed by the vibrations of music when people are gone or sleeping so things are not completely still for them. The vibrations also help them have a reference point of where they are.

Numerous CD's are now put out with soothing music just for cats, dogs, and even rabbits. You can Google Amazon for a list of CDs, and types of music that is offered for pets.

Here are a couple of articles that may be of interest to you for reference:
(copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.pets.ca/pettips/pet-tip-129.htm

http://www.newsday.com/news/columnists/ny-hopets5626032mar27,0,2117958.column


I this information has been of some help. Good luck on your research project. It sounds like it will be interesting and informative. Send me a copy of it when you are finished....and get an "A+" on it!

Tabbi