Do you own a cat? And if so, what are their feelings about music?
Cats seem to enjoy classical music thanks to its gentle, soothing sounds. The slow tempos and soft melodies mimic comforting vibrations, like purring. Studies show that classical music can help cats relax, reducing stress and anxiety. Some felines even curl up and nap when they hear it!
Since they’re sensitive to sound, harsh noises can startle them, while peaceful music keeps them calm. So, if you want a happy, relaxed kitty, try playing some Mozart or Debussy.
This cat is right at home in a classical concert
The cat in this video certainly seems to like her classical music. She wanders on stage as the orchestra are settling down at the start of a classical concert in Istanbul, Turkey. She threads herself gracefully around the string section, much to the players' (and audience's) delight.
She doesn't seem so keen on the men, though, we'd have to say.
After some relaxing interval action, watch from the three-minute mark as she returns to reconnect with the orchestra. She seems to have a particular liking for the cellos.
Istanbul: city of cats
By the way, you may notice that this concert takes place in Istanbul, Turkey. And that should come as no surprise. Istanbul is famously known as the 'City of Cats' due to its deep-rooted cultural, religious, and historical connection with felines. For centuries, cats have roamed freely in the city, dating back to Byzantine and Ottoman times when they were valued for controlling pests.
Islamic tradition also plays a role, as cats are cherished in Islam, and many believe the Prophet Muhammad loved them. This has fostered a culture of kindness towards stray cats, making them an integral part of Istanbul’s daily life.
Unlike in many cities, Istanbul’s strays are well cared for by locals, businesses, and even the municipality, which provides food, shelters, and medical care. Today, Istanbul’s thousands of cats wander freely through mosques, cafes, and streets, embodying the city’s spirit of hospitality and harmony with animals.
Need more cats and music?
We've taken it upon ourselves (you're welcome) to scour the internet for some of the most heartwarming moments featuring cats and their many fascinating reactions to classical music. Highlights to date include this beautiful black cat and her extraordinary reaction to Mahler. Then there was the moment our editor Charlotte Smith filmed a cat wandering on stage at a concert in... you've guessed it, Istanbul, City of Cats.
And here's a delightful film of Nora, the kitty who has her own*very* individual way of conjuring sweet miaowsic (sorry) from the piano.
Cats and music: purrfect partners
It turns out that cats and classical music make excellent bedfellows. Maurice Ravel, the genius French composer behind Bolero, was a famous felinophile; he kept numerous Siamese companions and even conversed with them in a private 'cat language', leading some listeners to hear a certain feline grace within his intricate musical scores.
Then there's Gioachino Rossini, the great Italian opera composer who may or may not have composed the hilarious Duetto buffo di due gatti (Comic Duet for Two Cats, a playful piece based on his melodies and undoubtedly one of classical music’s most deliciously odd works. Meanwhile, Claude Debussy, owned a cat named Minou, and like Satie was known for his affection for animals. We can hear in his music a certain graceful, feline elegance.
Igor Stravinsky frequently shared the frame with cats in portraits, while another French composer, the none-more-whimsical Erik Satie was a fan of all creatures... but especially cats. Alban Berg was similarly enamoured, filling his correspondence with feline anecdotes.
Last but not least, the great American composer Aaron Copland was famed for his love of felines. He shared his home with various cats throughout his life and often talked about how their presence had a calming effect. Photographs show him relaxing with cats on his lap, suggesting they were cherished muses during his quieter, more reflective composing moments.
Composer pics Getty Images
