Animals feel music too—especially cats and dogs.
While their hearing is tuned differently from ours, research and real-life observations suggest they can respond deeply to sound. Music influences animal mood, behavior, and even well-being. Dogs, for instance, often relax to classical music, showing reduced anxiety and lower heart rates. In contrast, loud or erratic sounds can make them unsettled.
Cats, more aloof by nature, also react to certain sound patterns. Specially composed “cat music,” designed to mimic purring and natural feline frequencies, has been shown to calm even the fussiest felines. Both species seem to favor tones that echo their biological rhythms or the voices of trusted humans.
Music also builds bonds. Singing or gentle playing can reassure a nervous pet, reinforcing feelings of safety and affection. Animal shelters increasingly use music to soothe stressed animals and create a more peaceful environment.
Meet Hugo, aka 'Opera Dog'
While our pets may not “appreciate” music in the same way humans do, they clearly pick up on tone, rhythm, and emotional intent. Whether it’s a cello’s warmth or a softly sung lullaby, music can cross the species divide—reminding us that emotion through sound isn’t uniquely human. Our pets hear more than we think.
With this in mind, we introduce you to Hugo, aka 'Opera Dog', who just loves to sing along to the opera greats. Have a watch:
We just love how, as soon as Pavarotti breaks into song, Hugo is up and out of his cosy daybed, ready for accompanying duties. Soon after, he begins a brilliant low rumble, perfectly offsetting Pvarotti's high notes. José Carreras, when his turn comes, seems to get Hugo even more in the mood - he's up and alert, and putting a bit more expression into those bass rumbles.
Best of all, he reserves his most expressive note for the very climax, when all Three Tenors are singing in unison. Make no mistake, Hugo is an unofficial Fourth Tenor.
Dogs and music - a centuries-old love affair
Hugo is part of a great continuum of mutual love and respect between dogs and music. Many great composers were devoted dog lovers, and the affection often went both ways.
Edward Elgar, for instance, was rarely without canine companionship. Among his pets were two spaniels, both curiously named Marco. Composer, suffragette, and formidable character Ethel Smyth was equally smitten with dogs—so much so that she claimed to prefer them to people. Her beloved companion? A St Bernard cross, also named Marco, rescued from Vienna and treated to a life of luxury. And here's a lovely picture of conductor Artur Rodziński and his poodle.
Elsewhere, Dmitri Shostakovich was inseparable from his Airedale terrier, Tomka, who was said to be his greatest source of comfort. Frédéric Chopin found inspiration in the antics of his partner’s little dog, Marquis, whose tail-chasing antics led to the charming Valse du Petit Chien (Little Dog Waltz). And in a poignant gesture of loyalty, Richard Wagner had his Newfoundland, Russ, buried at his feet in Bayreuth.
Clearly, the bond between composer and canine runs deep—proof that the love of music and the love of dogs often go hand in paw.
Cats and music are also a match made in heaven. Have you seen the brilliant moment recorded by our editor Charlotte Smith, when a cat wandered on to the stage in the middle of a Beethoven concert in Istanbul? And have you met Nora, the beautiful grey cat who has her very own style of piano playing?
We'll leave you with this beautiful cat, absolutely riveted by Mahler:
Hugo pic and video: BestDogsLifeUK via YouTube
