[Column] How do dogs and cats listen to music: The science of pets and sound deciphered from frequency and genre
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Prologue: Music is not just for humans
Text: mmr｜Theme: Scientifically interpreting the compatibility with music genres based on the auditory characteristics and frequency sensitivity of dogs and cats
Listening to music to dogs and cats can calm them down, or conversely, make them excited. Such experiences are not uncommon. However, the reason for this is not just the ““atmosphere’’ but the distinct auditory characteristics and differences in frequency.
The human hearing range is approximately 20Hz to 20kHz. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, have the ability to hear higher frequencies. In other words, even if they are listening to the same music, the ““sound world’’ they receive is completely different.
Furthermore, recent animal behavior and acoustic research has revealed that certain music genres, tempos, and frequency bands can reduce stress and change behavior in pets.
In this article, we will organize the auditory characteristics of dogs and cats, their preferred frequencies, and the corresponding music genres based on empirical research.
Music affects all species, but the way it is felt differs decisively depending on the auditory structure.
The world of dog hearing characteristics and frequencies
Audible range and sensitivity
A dog’s hearing range is approximately 40Hz to 45kHz. They are far more sensitive to high frequencies than humans, and show a particularly strong reaction to high frequencies above 8kHz.
Dogs also have excellent ability to detect the direction of sound, and are sensitive to even the slightest change in sound. For this reason, high-pitched sound components and sudden sounds contained in music can be a strong stimulus.
Effect on behavior
Research has identified the following trends:
- Slow tempo (60-80 BPM) promotes relaxation
- High-pitched music induces alertness and anxiety
- A constant rhythm is easier to synchronize with the heartbeat
In particular, studies in shelter environments have shown that playing classical music reduces barking behavior and increases the amount of time spent lying down and resting.
Music genres suitable for dogs
The characteristics of music that are considered favorable for dogs are:
- Centered on low to mid range
- Slow tempo
- Fewer sudden changes in volume
in particular:
- Classical (especially string music)
- Ambient
- Soft lock (low sound pressure)
Conversely, the following are likely to cause stress:
- Heavy metal (high sound + high sound pressure)
- Hard techno (fast BPM and strong beat)
Cat auditory characteristics and reaction to music
Audible range and characteristics
Cats’ hearing range is approximately 48Hz to 85kHz, and they can detect even higher frequencies than dogs. It is especially optimized for the ultra-high frequencies contained in sounds such as rat cries.
For this reason, much of the music created for humans is perceived as too low or too monotonous for cats.
Research on species-specific music
An important concept in animal music research is the concept of ““species-specific music.’’ This refers to music that imitates animal sounds and heart rhythms.
For cats:
- Rumbling sound (approx. 25Hz)
- Kitten meow (high frequency)
It has been confirmed that music that incorporates these elements induces a relaxation response more clearly than normal human music.
Music genres suitable for cats
Characteristics of sounds that cats like:
*Includes high frequency
- Soft continuous sound
- Rhythm is simple or slow
Suitable genre:
- Ambient
- New Age
- Experimental music (containing high frequency elements)
On the other hand, it is not suitable for:
- Strong bass (too stimulating for cats)
- Irregular noise (warning reaction)
Relationship between frequency and emotional response
The influence of music on emotions depends not only on the melody but also on the frequency distribution.
Below is a comparison of dogs, cats, and humans:
This difference creates the following differences in recognition of the same sound:
- Human: Pleasant high pitched sound
- Dog: Too much stimulation
- Cat: Insufficient information
Furthermore, the “density” and “sustainability” of the sound are also important. Continuous sounds tend to give a sense of security, while intermittent sounds tend to induce alarm.
Correlation between music genre and pet behavior
By integrating the results of multiple studies, the relationship between genre and behavior can be summarized as follows:
For dogs, the effect of classical music is particularly pronounced, and for cats, “frequency structure” is more important than genre.
Chronology: Development of animal and music research
Practice: Sound environment design for pets
Based on scientific knowledge, there are simple things you can do in your daily life:
For dogs
- Keep the volume low
- Choose relaxing music
- Avoid the same genre for a long time
For cats
- Select sounds that contain high frequencies
- Music close to environmental sounds is effective
- Does not prioritize human preferences
What is even more important is “individual differences.” Not all dogs and cats will react the same way, and it will vary depending on their personality and experience.
Conclusion: Music is the environment itself
Music is not just entertainment; it is an element of the environment that influences a pet’s behavior and emotions.
A rhythm that brings peace of mind to dogs, and a frequency that appeals to instinct for cats. Choosing the right sound for each type of sound is directly connected to reducing stress and improving the quality of life.
Stepping away from a human-centered view of music and ““listening to the world with their ears.’’ That’s the surest way to understand the relationship between pets and music.
It all starts with the fact that music can be shared, but we don’t hear it the same way.
Supplement: Difference between visualization and perception of frequency bands
Human lower limit] --> B[1kHz
Conversation band] B --> C[8kHz
Dog reacts strongly] C --> D[20kHz
Human upper limit] D --> E[45kHz
Dog upper limit] E --> F[85kHz
Cat upper limit]
An important point that can be gleaned from this diagram is the fact that the range that humans perceive as the ““center of the audible range’’ is only a small part of the range for dogs and cats. In particular, frequencies above 10 kHz are only perceived by humans as a sense of atmosphere or overtones, but dogs and cats perceive them as clear information.
Furthermore, when it comes to low frequencies, cats are more sensitive to minute changes in the mid-to-high range than to vibrational low frequencies, and this is where the difference in music experience arises.
Even with the same sound source, the ““main frequency’’ differs depending on the species.
Additional information: Examples of music suitable for dogs (major/underground)
Major music
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No.6 “Pastoral”
A gentle tempo and a structure that mimics nature tends to elicit a relaxing response from dogs. In particular, the soft overtones of the strings act as stable environmental sounds.
- Johann Sebastian Bach – Air on the G String
The highly periodic structure and constant dynamics make it easy to synchronize with the dog’s heartbeat. It is also important that there are few sudden peaks.
- Brian Eno – Music for Airports
Designed as environmental music, this work is likely to contribute to alleviating anxiety due to its sustained sound and low-stimulation structure.
Underground/Experimental Music
- Stars of the Lid – Requiem for Dying Mothers
Characterized by extremely slow development and a sustained drone-like sound. For dogs, it acts as an ““environment with few changes in sound.’’
- William Basinski – The Disintegration Loops
The repeated loops and gradually collapsing structure are less irritating and maintain a certain sense of security.
- Biosphere – Substrata
The texture is close to natural sounds and the bass-centered design creates a comfortable sound environment for dogs.
Unsuitable example
- Metallica – Master of Puppets
It has a fast tempo and a lot of high-frequency distortion, which is likely to be overstimulating for dogs.
- Aphex Twin – Ventolin
It intentionally contains high-frequency noise, which is too strong a stimulus for dogs’ hearing.
Dogs accept music because of its ““structural stability” and ““low stimulation.”
Supplement: Examples of music suitable for cats (frequency specific type)
Major music
- Claude Debussy – Clair de Lune
The delicate touch and soft dynamics of the high range are relatively close to the sensation of a cat.
- Erik Satie – Gymnopédies
Simple, repetitive structures do not become information overload for cats.
- Harold Budd – The Pavilion of Dreams
The high frequency resonance and spatiality have a density suitable for cat hearing.
Species-specific/research-based music
- David Teie – Music for Cats
A group of songs that reproduce the frequencies of cat purrs and meows. It has been experimentally confirmed that it elicits interest and relaxation responses in cats.
Underground/Experimental Music
- Alva Noto – Xerrox Series
There are many high-frequency noises and minute clicks, which can act as auditory stimuli for cats.
- Ryoji Ikeda – +/−
Due to the extreme frequency design (especially high frequencies), it includes areas that are difficult for humans to perceive. Cats have a wealth of information.
- Fennesz – Endless Summer
It has an intermediate structure between noise and melody, and is characterized by a high-frequency texture.
Unsuitable example
- Hip hop and EDM with emphasis on bass
Cats tend to perceive sounds as “thin”.
Cats respond strongly to “high-frequency textures” and “details of sound.”
Supplement: Correspondence between genre and frequency distribution
Genre is not just a style, but can be seen as a collection of frequency distributions. From this perspective, “good music” for pets is defined not by genre name but by frequency structure.
Supplementary conclusion
Choosing music for your pet is not just a matter of preference, but akin to ““aural design’’. Music that is comfortable for humans does not necessarily mean that it is also comfortable for dogs and cats.
Rather, what is important is how much energy the sound has in which frequency band, and how it changes over time.
The key is to design the frequency environment rather than choosing the music.
