Cats and birds have a complicated relationship. On one hand, cats are natural hunters and often see birds as prey. On the other hand, some cats seem fascinated by the sounds that birds make and will watch attentively as birds sing and call outside. This raises an interesting question – do bird sounds actually have a calming effect on cats?
There are a few potential explanations for why cats may find bird sounds relaxing:
- The sounds are natural and reminiscent of being outdoors. Cats have strong natural instincts, and the sounds of songbirds chirping may tap into their appreciation of nature and the outdoors.
- The sounds are complex and musical. Cats may find the diverse tones, pitches, and patterns intriguing from a sensory perspective.
- The sounds aren’t threatening. Unlike noises from other animals or manmade sounds like vacuum cleaners, bird calls likely do not put cats on high alert.
On the other hand, some experts argue that cats are not truly soothed by bird sounds:
- The sounds may actually overstimulate cats due to their keen hearing.
- Cats may become frustrated by the sounds of prey they cannot catch.
- Each cat has individual personality and preferences not necessarily soothed by any specific sound.
So do bird sounds actually calm cats down or not? To try to answer this question, let’s look at some scientific research on this topic.
Scientific Research on Bird Sounds and Cat Behavior
While there has not been extensive research done specifically on how cats respond to bird sounds, a few studies provide useful insights:
Study 1: Cat Behavior in Response to Video Images
A 2020 study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science looked at how cats respond to video images, including those with bird sounds. The study had cats watch short video clips that included things like nature scenery, rodents, and catnip. Some of the videos included audio of bird chirping.
The researchers monitored the cats’ behavior and found that videos with bird sounds did not make the cats meaningfully more relaxed. For instance, the cats’ pupil dilation was not substantially different when watching videos with or without bird sounds.
This suggests that bird sounds alone may not have a calming effect on cats. However, it’s worth noting that watching a nature video is very different from a cat observing real birds in their natural environment.
Study 2: The Impact of Birdfeeders on Roaming Cats
A 2013 study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science looked at how hanging birdfeeders impacted the behavior of outdoor cats in suburban areas. The researchers tracked the cats’ movements using GPS and found that the presence of birdfeeders significantly increased the frequency of roaming and hunting behaviors in nearby cats.
The researchers proposed that the bird sounds from the feeders stimulated and attracted the cats by reminding them of prey. This study suggests that bird sounds may actually overstimulate cats rather than calming them. Of course, cats living completely indoors would not experience quite the same dynamic.
Study 3: Reducing Stress in Shelter Cats with Music
A study published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery in 2015 played different types of music for cats housed in an animal shelter to see if it impacted their stress levels. The researchers measured stress by monitoring cortisol levels in the cats’ saliva.
They found classical music and pop music actually led to a rise in cortisol compared to no music at all. However, when the cats were played a specialized “cat music” designed to mimick comforting feline vocalizations, their cortisol levels dropped significantly.
This suggests certain sounds can reduce stress in cats, though normal human music may not have the intended effect. The study did not look specifically at bird sounds.
Anecdotal Experiences with Bird Sounds and Cats
In addition to formal research, many cat owners have their own anecdotal experiences with how their cats respond to bird noises:
- “We have a bird feeder outside our window, and my cat will sit staring at it for hours! She seems totally relaxed listening to the birds chirping away.”
- “My cat gets super alert and her tail starts twitching whenever she hears tweeting from the birds nesting on our balcony. Doesn’t seem calming to me at all!”
- “Sometimes my cat naps while the parrots we have at home make noise. But other times the sounds seem to rile her up and she’ll run around chasing imaginary birds!”
- “I always play recordings of nature sounds to try and relax my anxious cat when guests come over. The bird chirping tracks seem to help distract him.”
These varied owner observations demonstrate that individual cats likely respond differently to bird noises based on their unique personality and environmental circumstances.
Do Certain Bird Sounds Work Better Than Others?
If some kinds of bird vocalizations are more likely to have a calming effect on cats, that could explain the mixed reactions cats can have. Some research has looked into how cats respond to specific bird calls.
One study found that cats were more attentive and stimulated when played bird sounds incorporating trills, whistles, and warbles compared to non-vocal sounds like wing flapping. In another experiment, cats became much more alert when played begging calls from baby birds versus adult bird chirping. This suggests sounds that remind cats strongly of prey may be more disruptive.
Certain other aspects like the volume, pitch, tempo or rhythm of the bird calls could also make a difference in cats’ reactions. More research is still needed on how subtle acoustic qualities of bird sounds impact cats’ mood and behavior.
Conclusion
Overall, moderate or ambient bird sounds may have a soothing effect on some cats in some circumstances by tapping into their natural instincts. However, loud, close-up, or prey-like bird noises are more likely to stimulate and alert cats. Cats’ individual personalities play a big role as well. The relationship between cats and bird sounds is complex, and more research is still needed. Paying attention to how your own cat responds can help determine if bird sounds help create a calm environment or an overstimulating one. With a better understanding of the science and your cat’s signals, you can fine tune the soundscape to help optimize your furry friend’s tranquility.