12 Sounds Cats Love

By: Dan Verghese

Cats may seem mysterious, but they actually love certain sounds, and have a much more acute sense of hearing than humans do. According to the US National Library of Medicine, cats can hear a 70-decibel sound anywhere in the 48 Hz to 85 kHz range, giving them one of the broadest hearing ranges of all mammals. Understanding what appeals to your feline friend’s senses can help strengthen your bond. Read on to discover 12 sounds cats enjoy and why they find them so enticing.

1. The squeak of prey

Cats love the high-pitched squeak of rodents and other prey. The sound triggers their hunting instinct, so they’ll come running to investigate. Try squeaking a cat toy to get your kitty excited for playtime. The noise mimics the squeaks and rustling sounds their natural prey makes. When cats hear these high-pitched noises, they can’t help but spring into action to hunt down the source. Their sharp ears and killer instincts kick in.

Squeaky toys in mouse or bird shapes work even better, as the combined noise and visuals appeal to your cat’s senses. Pull out a squeaky toy when your cat seems bored or restless for some interactive play. You’ll likely see their eyes widen, ears perk up, and excitement build as soon as the toy makes a noise. They’ll come scampering over, ready to pounce. It’s adorable to watch their innate hunting ability come out during play.

2. Chirping birds

Your cat may perk up when hearing birds chirping outside. Mimicking their prey is instinctual and hearing bird songs will likely pique their interest. The tweets and chirps of birds catch your cat’s attention because those sounds mean a potential meal to them. Cats have an ingrained desire to hunt, even if they are well-fed house cats. Hearing real birds singing through an open window can make your cat’s ears twitch and eyes dilate, as they resist the urge to try to capture the birds.

A cat sitting next to a birdcage

3. Crinkling of packages, rustling and rattling

Cats often love the rustling sound of a treat bag. They associate them with mealtime, so they will come to check out what’s going on. Rustling paper can be a great way to get your cat’s attention. When they hear you opening a treat bag, shaking dry food, or crinkling a cat food wrapper, they come running – ready to be fed. This response may also be traced back to the sound mice and other prey make while moving in bushes or grass. Cats immediately look for the source of rustling so they can hunt successfully. The crinkle of packages triggers their food-motivated response since they connect the sound with getting a tasty meal.

4. Meows and trills

Meows, trills, and chirps are how cats communicate with humans. Your feline companion likely loves when you meow or trill back at them, as this strengthens your bond. Cats don’t actually meow to each other very much – those vocalizations are primarily directed at humans. When you mimic your cat’s meows, chirps and trills, you show them you’re listening. It demonstrates that their attempts to communicate are working. Cats prefer when humans replicate the sounds they make to chat back and forth.

5. Purring

Purring is a sound that signifies happiness and affection. Cats love it when humans purr or make a soothing humming sound back at them. Cats purr to indicate contentment – and they will purr back when they hear a human making a similar sound. You can replicate the noise by making a gentle humming in a low pitch while exhaling. Doing this mimics the cadence of your cat’s own purr, which they find reassuring. The 25-150 hertz frequency of purring cat music decreases stress and fosters bonding between cats and humans.

6. Chatter with other cats

Cats like to chatter, chirp and meow with other feline friends too. Kitten littermates often groom and communicate with each other. Adult cats may chatter at neighbourhood cats they spot outside. Let your cats chat at the window or under the door to make connections with other kitties. The sounds they make while interacting are normal and social for them.

7. Water sounds

The gentle trickle or splash of water has a calming effect on cats. Consider placing your cat’s bed near a fountain for a soothing atmosphere. Cats seem to enjoy flowing water sounds, like splashing fountains. The soft, repetitive noises are likely reminiscent of streams and other natural bodies of water. Since cats originate as desert creatures, the presence of flowing water puts them at ease. 

8. Nature and rain sounds

Noise from televisions and radios can overwhelm cats’ sensitive ears. Instead, expose them to natural sounds, like ocean waves or forest noises. Sounds of nature may help them feel calm and relaxed. While cats can tune out our voices, electronics like TVs blaring random sounds and music are too much. Nature audio recordings are preferable, mimicking outdoor settings that cats enjoy. Soothing rain pattering softly or gentle waves rushing works magic. Crickets chirping, owl hoots, and other woodland creatures also interest cats.

Cat listening to rain at the window.

9. Cat toys

Cats love toys that make noise! Things like balls with bells, crinkly toy mice, and toys that squeak when batted are enticing. The sounds mimic prey and appeal to kitty’s hunting instincts. Cats prefer toys that capture their interest with sound and movement. Consider a toy that chirps like a bird when batted or pounced on. The noises excite your cat and make them eager to play.

10. Classical music

Classical music can have a soothing effect on cats, as they may find the strings and piano sounds relaxing. But why classical and not other genres? Experts believe the slower tempo and lack of vocals are calming. Pop music changes too rapidly to have the same impact. The classical melodies also mask outside erratic sounds. Try Mozart, Bach or Chopin when your cat seems stressed. See them relax and de-stress as the music plays.

11. Cat-specific music

There are albums designed just for cats! “Music for Cats” features cat-specific tones and tempos. Rhythmic, repetitive sounds mimic purring to relax cats. Some songs incorporate chirping bird noises to pique interest. Vocals are removed since cats prefer instrumental tunes. When purchasing cat music, ensure it’s in your cat’s vocal range. Look for songs using instruments cats respond to, like piano and guitar. Turn it on and see if your feline friend enjoys these cat-friendly tunes.

Cat with headphones on.

12. Your voice

Cats recognise and respond to their owner’s voice! Talking or singing softly comforts them. Saying their name when entering a room gets their attention, and chatting while petting them is soothing. They connect your voice with affection and care. High-pitched baby talk can also excite them. While they don’t understand words, your voice’s tone matters. Cats also respond best to long vowel sounds when being called, particularly the long “ee” sound. Whether happy, soothing, or affectionate, the way you talk to your cat makes a difference.

Final thoughts

Cats have a wide range of sounds that appeal to their senses. From high-pitched squeaks to classical music, there are many audio options to make your cat happy. Try out some new sounds to see what your feline friend responds to best! Every cat is different and some might prefer different sounds to others, which is natural and just part of their personality. Understanding what appeals most to a cat’s natural instincts and desire for comfort allows you to better bond with them. Once you’ve discovered some sounds your cat loves, read our post about sounds cats hate so you know what to avoid.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Dan. I grew up with cats, starting with Tommy, a tabby who was part of our family in the ’80s and early ’90s. I’ve had other pets, from dogs to tropical fish to a corn snake. Now I live with a grumpy cat called Crumble (or Grumble, as I like to call her). Find out more about me here.