For your obedient feline student’s listening pleasure, it’s Guest Author and Cat Training Expert Aspen White:
Music has a profound effect on both humans and animals.
It influences emotions, behavior, and even learning capabilities.
When training your cat, choosing the right background music can create a calming atmosphere, making your feline friend more receptive to learning commands, tricks, and behaviors.
But what kind works best for cats?
Let’s explore the most effective types for your cat, and how it can enhance your training sessions.
The Science Behind Cats and Music
Cats perceive sound differently than humans.
Their hearing is far more sensitive, detecting higher frequencies that we cannot hear.
This means that while some types of music might soothe us, they can be overstimulating or even unpleasant for a cat. Studies have shown that certain tempos, frequencies, and rhythmic patterns can influence a cat’s mood, with some music helping to reduce stress and anxiety—key factors in a productive training environment.
Classical Music: A Soothing Choice
If you’re looking for a reliable genre to play while training your cat, classical music is a great option.
The gentle, flowing melodies of composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Claude Debussy have been found to create a sense of calm in animals.
The soft instrumentation, lack of sudden loud noises, and slow tempos help keep your cat relaxed, making them more receptive to positive reinforcement techniques like clicker training or treat-based learning.
A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that classical music significantly lowered stress levels in cats undergoing veterinary procedures. This suggests that it can also be beneficial in a home training setting, where keeping your cat stress-free is essential for successful learning.
Cat-Specific Music: Tailored for Feline Ears
Recent research has led to the creation of cat-specific music, designed to match the frequencies and tempos that cats naturally respond to. These compositions often incorporate purring sounds, gentle whirring, and high-pitched tones that mimic feline vocalizations. Studies have shown that cats react more positively to this type of music compared to human-composed songs, making it an excellent choice for training sessions.
David Teie, a musician and researcher, developed a series of tracks specifically for cats, based on their unique auditory preferences.
Many cat owners have reported that playing this type of music during training helps their cats stay engaged and relaxed.
Soft Ambient or Instrumental Music: A Neutral Option
If classical music isn’t your style, soft ambient or instrumental music can also work well.
Think of peaceful spa music, nature sounds blended with melodies, or light piano and guitar tunes.
These genres provide a consistent, non-disruptive background noise that can help your cat stay focused without causing overstimulation.
Instrumental music with a slow tempo and minimal percussion tends to work best. Music that mimics the sounds of nature – like chirping birds or gentle water streams – can also be soothing for some cats.
Genres to Avoid When Training Your Cat
While music can be a great training aid, not all genres are suitable for feline ears. Here are some types of music you might want to avoid:
- Heavy Metal & Hard Rock
- These genres often contain loud, unpredictable sounds, sharp electric guitar riffs, and aggressive drumming, which can be overwhelming or stressful for cats.
- Techno & EDM:
- Fast beats, sudden drops, and repetitive bass-heavy sounds can overstimulate your cat and make training more difficult.
- Jazz & Freeform Music:
- While some jazz pieces are soft and calming, experimental jazz with irregular rhythms and unexpected shifts may be unsettling for cats.
Cats prefer predictable, gentle sounds rather than erratic, high-energy beats, so sticking to slower, harmonious compositions is best.
How to Incorporate Music Into Training Sessions
Now that you know which genres work best for cats, here’s how to effectively integrate music into your training routine:
- Start with a Low Volume: Cats have sensitive hearing, so keep the music at a soft, comfortable level. Loud music can be overwhelming and may cause your cat to retreat rather than engage in training.
- Observe Your Cat’s Reactions: Pay attention to how your cat responds to different types of music. If they seem relaxed and engaged, you’ve found a good match. If they show signs of agitation, like flicking their tail or leaving the room, try a different genre.
- Use Music to Establish Routine: Playing the same type of music during training sessions can help your cat associate the sound with learning and positive reinforcement. Over time, they may become more responsive when they hear the familiar tunes.
- Pair Music with Positive Experiences: To reinforce good behavior, play calming music while offering treats, petting, or interactive play. This helps your cat form positive associations with the sounds.
- Experiment with Different Playlists: Every cat has their own personality and preferences. Try various styles within the recommended genres to see what works best for your feline friend.
Final Thoughts
By selecting the right genres—classical music, cat-specific compositions, or soft ambient tunes—you can create a relaxed environment that fosters learning and positive behavior.
Avoid loud, chaotic genres and instead focus on soothing melodies that enhance your cat’s sense of calm and focus.
Music can be a powerful tool in shaping your cat’s training experience.
The next time you embark on a training session with your cat, consider playing some soft classical music or a tailor-made cat melody. You might just find that it makes the process smoother, more enjoyable, and ultimately more successful for both you and your feline companion!
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to deepen your feline friend’s skills, check out the expert tips on cat training at Aspen’s Trained to Purrfection blog.
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