Music just for cats
DiscoverNews
Music that incorporates everything from purrs to meow-like sounds is gaining feline fans, according to a new study that suggests cats enjoy tunes that are crafted just for them.
The study, which has been accepted for publication in the journal Applied Animal Behavioral Science, adds to the growing body of evidence that many animals respond favorably to species-specific music. This is music that takes into account a particular animal's favorite sounds, hearing range, commonly used tones and other factors.
"Here we found that cats showed orientation and approach behavior toward the speaker with the cat music, often rubbing against the speaker while the music was on," lead author Charles Snowdon of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, told Discovery News.
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While the relaxing classical music did not freak out the felines, they basically ignored it, showing no interest whatsoever. The special "cat music," however, grabbed their attention and led to head-rubbing against the speaker.
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The "music for cats" project isn't just a novelty, as the researchers "think this work could benefit shelter cats," and particularly those that are accustomed to human companionship.
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Other researchers are studying whether or not species-specific music is pleasing to zoo animals. So far, it appears that some species -- and some individuals -- like music more than others. One goal might be to give the animals direct control over when to listen to and for how long, allowing animals to control their own music the way people do.
Kazutaka Shinozuka and colleagues at Keio University have also studied regular music's effect on animals. So far, most seem to prefer classical pieces.
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There is one surprising exception, however. In an earlier study, Teie played a variety of tunes for cotton-top tamarins. The diminutive, fluffy monkeys seemed to calm down whenever they heard the heavy metal band Metallica.
More (& pic gallery)
http://news.discovery.com/animals/pets/music-made-for-cats-wins-feline-approval-150226.htm
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DNews: Do Animals Like Music?
Discovery News
Video (not able to post directly)
http://news.discovery.com/animals/videos/do-animals-like-music-video.htm
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= new reply since forum marked as read
and hopes to be able to vote fur an Acatemy Award nom-nominee soon. 
but when I sing to my cats, it seems to annoy them.
