When we rescued Lychee from the streets here in China, we never expected his journey would be so challenging. Lychee spent a long time in the vets and we stayed by his side 24/7. While he fought off FPV in the contagious disease room, most of the cats who came in didn’t survive.
The contagious disease isolation room had a strong smell we’ll never forget. Sleeping in this room on a camp bed was an emotional time. As we watched Lychee minute by minute checking he was breathing, we had no idea whether he would be ok. We tried everything to help him including chanting and playing him music.
We searched for cat music and found YouTube is full of music titled ‘relaxing cat music’. Is it really relaxing for cats though? I felt relaxed listening to it, but wasn’t sure what effect it might have on a cat.
After a while searching I found one piece of music that science says might connect with cats using sounds cats can relate to. We couldn’t tell how it affected Lychee but we believed he would enjoy it because there was some evidence behind the music. Just knowing this helped the atmosphere in the room calm.
Music has always been a universal language, transcending barriers and touching the souls of those who listen. This fascinating concept is the brainchild of David Teie, a visionary composer who has dedicated his work to understanding and creating music specifically for cats.
The Science Behind Music for Cats
David Teie’s groundbreaking work stems from his scientific theory on the fundamental nature of music appreciation. He posits that every species, including humans and cats, has an intuitive biological response to sounds based on their brain development and vocalizations. This theory forms the basis of his innovative project, Music for Cats.
Teie’s idea revolves around using the same “recipe” that humans employ to make music but tailoring it with ingredients that resonate with another species. For humans, a familiar element in music is the pulse, which we subconsciously connect to the rhythm of our mother’s heartbeat heard in the womb. This deep-rooted connection influences how we perceive and enjoy music.
Cats, however, have a different developmental timeline. A kitten’s brain at birth is only about 1/8 the size it will be at ten weeks, meaning that the mother’s pulse wasn’t a significant part of their auditory environment during crucial brain development stages. Instead, Teie incorporates sounds that are more relevant to a cat’s early experiences, such as the sound of suckling for milk.
Creating Feline-Centric Music
By integrating these feline-centric sounds, Teie creates music that cats find naturally appealing and comforting. His compositions include elements that mimic the soothing, familiar sounds cats hear as kittens. This species-specific approach ensures that the music resonates on a deeper, instinctual level with cats.
Scientific Validation
The effectiveness of Music for Cats has been scientifically validated through independent studies. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin conducted a study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, which found that cats showed a significant preference for and interest in species-appropriate music. This indicates that Teie’s compositions genuinely resonate with their intended audience.
A second study, conducted at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery in 2019, further supports these findings. The researchers concluded that cat-specific music could benefit cats by decreasing stress levels and improving the quality of care in veterinary clinical settings.
Final thoughts
The innovative work of David Teie highlights the profound impact that music can have on animals, particularly cats. By understanding the unique auditory experiences and developmental stages of cats, Teie has created music that not only entertains but also heals.
The success stories and scientific studies surrounding Music for Cats are a testament to its effectiveness and the potential it holds for improving the lives of our feline friends.
Interesting story.
I really believe in the power of music. 🎶
Thanks for sharing. ❤❤❤