How Do Animals Perceive Music?

Music can be defined as vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds, with rhythm, melody or harmony, and often, an expression of human emotion. Music can transcend language barriers and even species. But how do animals react or feel about music?

It turns out there is an entire science dedicated to animal musicality. Multiple studies over the past few decades have confirmed that animal behavior is affected by music. One study revealed that many animals have preferences for different types of music and that different behaviors in response to music depend upon the species (Dhungana et al., 2018). 

For example, in response to classical music, Chimpanzees demonstrated more social behaviors and were noted to have rhythmic swaying. Cats mostly ignore our music (of course) but do respond well to music created for them (i.e., with frequencies that mimic purring). Dogs also respond to classical music by showing calm behaviors such as lying down and resting. Sea lions can synchronize their head movements to the beat of a tune. And many other animals also respond in a variety of different ways!

So, the short answer is yes—animals clearly react and change their behaviors in response to music. We still do not know if music evokes emotions in animals, but that research continues. The exciting news is that, although humans and animals are biologically different, the common thread of sound is one shared experience between us.

References

Dhungana, S., Khanal, D., Sharma, M., Bhattarai, N., Tamang, D., et al. (2018). Effect of music on animal behavior: a review. Nepalese Veterinary Journal, 35: 10.3126/nvj.v35i0.25251.

Lawrence, A. (2025). Can your pet actually enjoy the music you play? A-Z Animals.