Cats Show No Clear Preference for Music as Studies Yield Mixed Results

Recent veterinary research on domestic cats indicates that their musical preferences remain uncertain. Small-sample studies from the University of Thessaly in Greece tested silence, feeding sounds, and various tones, finding limited behavioral changes and no physiological stress reduction. Experiments by South China Agricultural University exposed cats to silence, purring, feeding sounds, and combinations, which altered visual search behavior but did not clearly lower stress markers. A separate trial by Argentina's Universidad Nacional de La Plata evaluated silence, soft rock, Motown, pop, frenchcore and cat‑specific music on nine female cats; soft rock raised pulse and breathing rates, while Motown and cat‑tailored music lowered cortisol. Overall, the inconsistent findings and tiny sample sizes prevent any definitive recommendation of music for feline welfare.

Cats are naturally more active at night due to their crepuscular hunting instincts. Their eyes feature a tapetum lucidum that enhances low‑light vision, and they follow a polyphasic sleep pattern, resting in short intervals throughout the day and expending energy during dusk and dawn. This nocturnal activity is normal, especially for cats that previously lived outdoors, and can manifest as playful or vocal behavior that may disturb owners.