Official: cats find classical music relaxing

31 March 2015, 12:20

Scientists have performed extensive feline tests to determine what music cats prefer when they're undergoing surgery, with Barber's Adagio for Strings coming out on top.

The study, which was undertaken by scientists at the University of Lisbon, placed headphones on cats' ears while under anaesthetic and monitored their breathing and pupil movements.

When the cats were played Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings in a concentrated two-minute burst, the scientists found that the classical piece made a noticeable difference to their state of relaxation.

Discover: Barber's Adagio for Strings

Other songs tested out on the torpid kitties included Natalie Imbruglia's micro-hit 'Torn', as well as AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck. Neither song calmed the cats as much as Barber's music did.

Dr Miguel Carreira, a veterinary surgeon at the University of Lisbon, told the Journal of Feline Medicine: "During consultations I have noticed, for example, that most cats like classical music, particularly George Handel compositions, and become more calm, confident and tolerant throughout the clinical evaluation."