Many pet owners leave music or TV on to keep their animals company during absences, but which genres truly benefit our pets? Research from the UK and beyond points to classical, reggae, and soft rock for dogs, and specially designed music for cats as the best options to calm and comfort them.
- Classical music soothes dogs; heavy metal agitates
- Cats respond best to music made for their hearing range
- TV offers comforting background noise more than engagement
What happened
Research has investigated how different kinds of audio affect pets left alone at home. UK studies focused on dogs showed classical music produces a calming effect, while heavy metal tends to agitate. Pop music and human conversations, surprisingly, have little to no noticeable impact on dogs' behavior or heart rates.
Further studies identified that individual dogs might prefer particular genres like reggae and soft rock, demonstrating some animals have unique taste in music. For cats, fewer studies exist, but work indicates they respond positively to sounds shaped for their specific auditory sensitivities, with special 'cat music' encouraging affectionate behaviors like rubbing against speakers.
Why it feels good
For pets, familiar sounds and soothing melodies can reduce anxiety, especially when their owners are away. Music and background noise may mask disturbing environmental sounds such as fireworks, traffic, or loud neighbors that could otherwise cause stress. This makes leaving music or TV on a simple yet effective way to provide comfort and a sense of companionship from a distance.
Pet owners also gain peace of mind knowing they’ve created a more emotionally supportive space for their animals. Observing pets’ reactions to different sounds helps owners tailor choices to their pets’ unique preferences, deepening human-animal bonds through thoughtful care and attention.
What to enjoy or watch next
If you want to try curating a pet-friendly playlist, start with classical music for dogs and consider exploring reggae or soft rock, adjusting based on your dog’s response. For cats, seek out recordings specifically composed within their favored sound frequencies—albums by composers such as David Teie are good options to explore.
When it comes to TV, choose shows with gentle, familiar sounds or visuals that might hold your dog’s interest or act as soothing background ambiance. Shows like 'Bluey' have been noted for engaging dogs with friendly and calm scenes. Ultimately, experiment gently with volume and style while closely watching your furry friend’s response to find what best helps them relax.