Domestic cats have acute hearing, but they perceive music very differently than humans. Any unfamiliar sounds arouse their curiosity, but over time they become accustomed to them and ignore them.
If your cat gets aggressive when you sing
Domestic cats react differently to singing. They often respond with a disgruntled meow directed at the source of the sounds, appearing both confused and indignant. If the owner or another vocalizer continues to chant, the cat becomes more active: running away or running back, growling, hissing, and swatting, trying to hit the face.
High-pitched notes can cause anxiety in cats, who may meow piteously and cuddle in an attempt to calm them down. High-pitched, hoarse vocals, on the other hand, can be frightening. High-pitched female vocals typically elicit the most intense reactions, as can be clearly seen in videos.
A cat's reaction to vocalization depends not on its beauty or melody, but on the tone of the sounds. Sometimes human sounds remind her of the squeals of a kitten—the sounds made when injured or offended. Sometimes they seem unbearable or irritating, and it's difficult to predict whether they will provoke a strong reaction from the cat.
If your cat rubs against your legs while singing
If a cat responds to its owner's singing by loudly purring, asking to be picked up, clasping its paws, and rubbing against them, it likely interprets the singing as a call for help and support. This behavior is especially common with melodic whistling. If you notice this reaction, it's best to pause and let your pet know you're fine and there's no need to worry.
If vocalizations irritate or frighten a cat, they'll interpret this as a warning sign of aggression and may act aggressively first. In such cases, it's best not to get on their nerves, for their own good and yours.
If you can't help but sing and your pet can't listen, try singing outside the house or at least in another room. It's a good idea to take your pet out of the house during loud holidays and parties.
Every cat has sensitive hearing, so sounds that are normal to humans can be offensive to their ears. Don't frighten or anger them for fun; anxiety and stress can negatively impact their health.
