Many pet owners swear by calming playlists for anxious dogs or nervous cats, but growing scientific evidence suggests there may be some truth behind the trend.
One example is Margot, a rescue dog whose owner struggled to manage her separation anxiety. After various training methods and treatments proved ineffective, calming instrumental music appeared to help. Instead of barking and pacing when left alone, she began resting quietly while classical music played in the background.
Researchers have explored these effects in a variety of settings. Studies of dogs in homes and kennels have found that slow-tempo piano-based music can reduce signs of stress such as pacing, trembling and panting. In some cases, more than 70% of dogs showed fewer anxiety-related behaviours while listening to calming music.
Why classical music appears to work
Not all music has the same effect.
Research suggests that slower compositions, typically around 50 to 60 beats per minute, with simple structures and limited percussion are most effective at promoting relaxation. One study found that this type of music was associated with lower cortisol levels, a hormone commonly linked with stress responses.
Researchers believe these sounds may trigger physiological changes associated with relaxation, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear.
Studies involving kennel dogs have also shown that classical music can be particularly helpful during stressful situations, including veterinary visits and long car journeys.
Benefits beyond dogs
The positive effects of calming music are not limited to domestic pets.
Animal behaviour researchers have reported similar responses in zoo animals, including elephants and gorillas. Animals exposed to classical music often displayed fewer repetitive stress-related behaviours and lower levels of aggression.
Other reported benefits have included improved eating patterns, better sleep and, in some cases, enhanced overall welfare.
What about cats?
Cats hear differently from humans and can detect much higher sound frequencies.
Although fewer studies have focused on cats, some evidence suggests they may also respond positively to certain types of music. In one study involving sedated cats undergoing routine procedures, classical music was associated with slower breathing rates and lower heart rates compared with pop or hard rock music, both indicators of a calmer physiological state.
Further research in veterinary settings has also suggested that soft instrumental music can lower respiratory rates in cats, provided the music avoids extreme high or low frequencies.
Other genres may help too
Classical music is not the only option.
Studies have found that reggae and soft rock, particularly tracks with simple rhythms, slower tempos and limited percussion, can also have calming effects on dogs.
By contrast, audiobooks appear to be far less effective. Researchers observed that dogs exposed to spoken-word recordings generally showed little reduction in stress-related behaviour and often remained alert and focused on the source of the sound.
No universal solution
Experts stress that musical preferences among animals are not universal.
Most studies have involved relatively small groups of animals and have often focused on highly stressful environments such as shelters, clinics or kennels. What works for one animal may have little effect on another.
This has led some researchers and composers to develop species-specific soundtracks designed around the hearing ranges and sensitivities of dogs, cats, horses and other animals.
Finding the right soundtrack
While the science continues to evolve, the existing evidence suggests that carefully chosen music can help some animals feel calmer and more comfortable.
For owners of anxious pets, playlists featuring slow classical pieces, gentle instrumental music or specially designed animal-calming tracks may be worth trying.
The key, experts say, is patience and observation. Like humans, animals respond differently to sound, and finding the most effective soundtrack may require a little experimentation.
Source: BBC
