Do Animals Like Music?
Do Animals Like Music? (And How They Are Affected by It)
At Posh Paws Pet Care, we’re intrigued by the relationship between animals and music. While some might consider it a peculiar notion, there’s compelling evidence that animals have a deep connection with melodies. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of how music affects our furry friends and what types of tunes resonate with them.
The Surprising Link Between Animals and Music
You’ve probably heard about people playing music for their pets when they leave them home alone. But is there any merit to this practice? Research indicates that animals do indeed have preferences when it comes to music, and the impact can be rather remarkable.
Studies have shown that animals react to music in ways that mirror human responses. For instance, classical music has been found to alleviate dogs’ anxiety, leading to longer periods of rest and reduced barking. That alone is a reason to play it for them. On the flip side, rock music tends to make dogs more agitated, increasing their barking and restlessness. Maybe the same is true for people? It’s as if animals have their own musical tastes!
The Science Behind It
In a 2012 study involving 177 kenneled dogs, researchers exposed them to various genres of music, including symphonic and rock, as well as a specialized form of orchestral compositions. What they discovered was intriguing. Animals exposed to classical music tended to sleep more soundly, suggesting a soothing effect. Conversely, rock music had the opposite effect, causing increased shaking, a sign of anxiety.
Moreover, the study found that animals, like humans, respond positively to music. Music has been known to reduce stress, enhance mood, and alleviate anxiety in both animals and humans. These findings suggest that music can have a similar impact on animals’ physiology and psychology as it does on people.
Tailoring Music for Animals
While humans have a diverse range of musical preferences, animals have their unique tastes, too. Researcher Snowdon at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that animals respond best to what he calls “animal-specific music.” This type of music is tailored to their specific frequencies, harmonics, and time signatures.
Unlike humans, animals have distinct auditory ranges that differ from ours. This means that our music may not resonate with them as it does with us. To address this, Snowdon collaborated with musician David Teie to create music specifically designed for animals. This tailored approach seems to strike a chord with our animal companions.
Cats and Their Musical Preferences
Cats, being notorious for their independent nature, also have their musical inclinations. While classical music has often been considered soothing for felines, recent research suggests that cats may find even greater comfort in music created exclusively for them.
A study in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that cats responded positively to cat-specific music, such as Scooter Bere’s Aria. This specially crafted music utilizes cat speech patterns and vibrations, creating a unique auditory experience for our feline friends. Cats exposed to this music exhibited lower stress levels compared to those exposed to traditional or orchestral music.
Musical Pigs and Cows
It’s not just dogs and cats that enjoy music. Pigs, known for their surprising similarities to humans, have shown a keen interest in music. Whether it’s soothing classical melodies or lively American rap, pigs seem to appreciate a wide variety of tunes. However, they tend to be a bit apprehensive about more aggressive forms of jazz and loud music.
Cows, on the other hand, have also displayed a preference for calming music. Studies have indicated that they produce more milk when exposed to gentle sounds and become noticeably more relaxed. Classical music seems to be their top choice for creating a tranquil environment.
The Universal Language of Music
In closing, it’s evident that music transcends species boundaries and can serve as a means of communication and comfort for animals. Just as music has the power to evoke emotions in humans, it has a similar impact on our animal companions. So, the next time you leave your pets at home, consider leaving some soothing tunes playing in the background. Who knows, it might just make their day a little brighter!
For more information about this subject or general questions you can contact:
Courie Dennis with Posh Paws Pet Care, LLC
843.900.0438
Visit our website at PoshPawsPetCareSC.com
Or send us a note from our contact page here.