WASHINGTON – Scientists are marketing music to animals. An animal psychologist is leading research in the music preferences of animals.
Scientist David Teie says cats are not wired to enjoy songs made for humans. It has to do with their vocal ranges and heart rates.
The basis of the theory of species-specific music came from preparation for a lecture series.
In another investigation, according to Teie’s website Music for Cats, scientist Charles Snowdon uncovered specific animal responses to music while testing different tunes on tamarin monkeys.
“They displayed a marked increase of activity in response to the music that was designed to excite them, while the ‘tamarin ballad’ music induced a significant calming,” the website says.
Another researcher says dogs, especially larger breeds, may be more responsive to music in the human frequency range.
You can buy songs to see if your pet responds for $1.99 on the Music for Cats website.
Now the species-specific music is being employed at the National Zoo to provide a “varied environment” for captive animals.
WTOP’s Bob Kur contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.
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