How many times have you wondered if your cat would enjoy some background music while you're out for the day? Absolutely no judgment here because we think about it all the time. Luckily, you can create a playlist filled with your cat's favorite sounds. From birds chirping to crinkling and even cat-specific music, these are the eight sounds cats enjoy the most.
What Kinds of Sounds Do Cats Like?
Cats aren't really into the same types of music we enjoy. They prefer sounds that are higher pitched and ones that either mimic their prey or mimic positive cat sounds, like purring. But just like us, different sounds inspire different feelings in cats.
No, you probably won't find your feline friend bawling to a track like you might while listening to Adele's latest album, but certain sounds can prompt excitement. Other sounds have a calming effect on cats. Test each of these sounds on your cat to see how they react, then create a playlist of cat music for your kitty.
1. Cat-Specific Music
Do cats like music? Yes and no. Experts say cats don't necessarily respond to our music the way we do, but they absolutely love songs that are created specifically for cats. What makes it so special? Cat music incorporates higher sound frequencies (which cats are particularly fond of) plus sounds like suckling and purring. Listening to these special cat tunes can lower your kitty's stress level and help them feel calm.
Sound effect: calming
Hear it now: Music for Cats album on Spotify
2. Birds Chirping
We know cats like watching birds, but they love listening to their high-pitched chirps just as much. Cats naturally hunt birds, so their chirps trigger your kitty's prey drive. As soon as they hear bird sounds, they'll begin looking for the feathered source, so if you add bird chirp sounds to your cat's playlist, get ready to watch their ears perk up and ask to play.
Sound effect: excitement
Hear it now: Birds Chirping for Cats on Spotify
3. Your Voice
No, we're not trying to give you a big head. We're absolutely serious: your voice is one of your cat's favorite sounds. You're their person, as well as their source of comfort, security, warmth, and food. When they hear your voice, they might get excited at the idea of playtime (or food) or feel comforted by your presence (or the fact that you might have food).
Sound effect: excitement, calming
As you're compiling a playlist of music for your cat, why not record a track of you speaking to them? Use all their favorite words and speak in the special voice you use just for them (we all have one!).
4. Crinkling
Cat crinkle toys are popular for a reason. Felines can't get enough of the sound they make. The ruffling noise mimics mice and other prey moving in fallen leaves, which gets even the sleepiest cat excited. Don't have any cat crinkle balls at home? You can easily create the same crinkly sound by crumpling up a piece of paper or a paper bag.
Sound effect: excitement
Crinkling isn't for every cat. This sound can be a trigger for feline audiogenic reflex seizures (FARS) in some older cats. If your cat experiences tremors in response to loud crinkling noises, avoid adding this track to their playlist.
5. Food Can Being Opened
Does your cat come running as soon as you start opening a can of their food? That sound is one of their favorites, at least when it comes to food-motivated cats. It signals that they're about to be fed, which is definitely something that fills them with excitement. If your cat eats dry food instead of wet, they might prefer the sound of kibble hitting the bottom of the food dish.
Sound effect: excitement
A calming playlist is a great thing to have on hand during stressful events, like a drive to the vet or a thunderstorm.
6. Kitty Trills
Trills are one of the many noises cats make, and they're a sound that will get any cat's attention. Cats trill as a sign of excitement, like when they see their favorite toy or you offer them a treat, but it can also be a sign of greeting. Whatever the case, cats only trill when they're having positive experiences, so listening to the trills of other cats can be great enrichment for your cat.
Sound effect: excitement
7. Purring
Purring is a sound that soothes us, but it's also incredibly calming for cats. Cats purr when they're happy and relaxed; the behavior actually releases endorphins within a cat's brain. Listening to purring sounds can have a similar effect. Add a track of cats purring to your kitty's playlist to promote calm during stressful situations or anytime.
Sound effect: calming
Hear it now: Purring Cat Sounds on Spotify
8. Chattering Rodents
Cats with a high prey drive will go wild for rodent sounds. Your pet was made to hunt these small critters, so they'll love hearing their squeaks. Find tracks with mice, rats, squirrels, or any other rodents chattering and squeaking away and pop them onto a playlist for your cat. Don't be alarmed if you notice your cat starts chattering along with them; this is a natural instinct.
Sound effect: excitement
Find Your Cat's Favorite Tunes
In the same way that catnip makes some cats wild and others fall asleep, cat sounds can have different effects on individual cats. Play each one for your own cat to determine whether it makes them excited, calm, or has no effect at all. Then create a playlist to keep them entertained while you leave the house, during a thunderstorm, or when you're just hanging out together.
