Ever wondered what kind of music your cat would make if they had opposable thumbs and a little more ambition?
While most cats are content to knock things off tables and pounce on imaginary prey, some might have hidden musical talents just waiting to be unleashed. But which instruments would they prefer?
Well, as we all know, cats already love walking across keyboards (even, in rare cases, playing them), so it’s safe to say the piano would be their instrument of choice. Their improvisational skills are unmatched—who hasn’t been treated to a surprise concert of random notes at 3 AM? Perhaps, deep down, every cat believes they’re the next Rach-meow-ninov. (Sorry).
On the other hand, we reckon that kittens, with their boundless madcap energy, would naturally gravitate toward percussion. Your tabby banging on a set of bongos? Iconic. Their ability to knock over water glasses already proves they have a natural sense of rhythm.
For the more dramatic cats, however, the violin could be the perfect fit. They’re already experts at creating mournful sounds when their food bowl is empty, so why not channel that emotion into something artistic?
This adorable kitten belonging to the French violinist Esther Abrami certainly responds well to the sound of the violin. Have a watch below.
Sweet, sweet miaowsic
Cats and classical music might seem like an unlikely duo, but they actually go together quite well. Just last year, our editor, Charlotte Smith, captured an unforgettable moment when a cat nonchalantly strolled onto the stage during a Beethoven concert.
And it turns out, many legendary composers had a soft spot for felines.
One of the most famous cat lovers in music history was Maurice Ravel, the genius behind Bolero. Ravel owned several Siamese cats and was so enamorued with them that he spoke to them in a special, affectionate tone. Some even believe his love for cats influenced the intricate textures of his compositions.
Igor Stravinsky was another feline admirer, often photographed with his beloved pets. The quirky Erik Satie, known for his eccentricities and deep appreciation for animals, also had a particular fondness for cats. Meanwhile, Alban Berg, an ardent cat enthusiast, frequently mentioned his pets in letters and was often pictured alongside them.
Italian opera giant Gioachino Rossini had a fondness for cats—and that fondness may have inspired one of classical music’s most delightful curiosities: the Duetto buffo di due gatti (Comic Duet for Two Cats). Though likely arranged by another hand using Rossini’s melodies, its whimsical charm captures his spirit perfectly. Just listen below to Kiri Te Kanawa at her most purr-suasive.
Claude Debussy was also famously fond of cats. His feline companion, Minou, was often by his side, and many hear a cat-like grace in the liquid textures of his music. For Debussy, as for Rossini, cats were more than pets—they were sources of elegance and mystery.
Aaron Copland, too, shared his life with numerous cats. He spoke of their calming presence, and was often photographed with one curled in his lap. In his quietest moments of creation, these gentle companions offered peace—and quiet inspiration.
It seems that for these great composers, the presence of a cat provided both comfort and inspiration—perhaps even a muse for some of their greatest works!
And it's goodbye from... the Mahler cat
Before we go, take a brief paws (sorry) and have a look at this cat's truly one-in-a-million response to the emotional music of Gustav Mahler.
Top clip from Esther Abrami via YouTube
