The Healing Power of Cat-Composed Music

Is your cat a bundle of nerves when it comes to vet visits? Well, it turns out there might be a harmonious solution. Researchers at Louisiana State University uncovered the therapeutic effects of music specially composed for our favourite retractable-clawed friends.

In this blog post, we explore how this feline-centric music can transform the veterinary experience or any stressful experience for your pet.

Previous research suggested that classical music has a calming effect on cats during stressful situations, such as a visit to the vet. However, recent studies, featured in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, delves into the realm of cat-specific compositions. The chosen piece for this groundbreaking study was Scooter Bere's Aria, a composition by David Teie, incorporating cat vocalisations and frequencies tailored to the feline auditory range.

According to the study, the concept behind creating music exclusively for cats is rooted in the development of their emotional centres during the nursing stage. Purring and suckling sounds, common during this phase, are woven into tempos and frequencies mirroring feline vocalisation patterns.

The objective of the research was clear: to assess whether cat-specific music could contribute to lower cat stress scores (CSSs), reduced mean handling scale scores (HSs), and a decline in neutrophil:lymphocyte ratios (NLRs) – a marker for inflammation – during veterinary examinations.

Cats participating in the study were exposed to three audio tests (silence, classical music, and cat-specific music) across three veterinary examinations spaced two weeks apart. CSSs were recorded before, during, and after each examination, while HSs were documented during the physical examination period. The NLRs were used to gauge physiological stress.

The results showed cats listening to cat-specific music exhibited significantly lower CSSs and HSs compared to those in silence or exposed to classical music. Although NLRs showed no significant changes, the researchers concluded that cat-specific music has the potential to decrease stress levels and enhance the quality of care in veterinary clinical settings.

As a pet owner, incorporating cat-specific music into your veterinary routine might be the key to a more relaxed and stress-free experience for your furry companion. The healing power of music extends beyond human ears, and with the right melodies, your cat can now face vet visits with newfound calmness.

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