Researchers Find Classical Music Has Calming Effect of Cats During Surgery

A study published this week in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, by a team of veterinarian researchers from the University of Lisbon, has found that classical music can have a calming effect on cats during surgery.

The study involved fitting 12 female pet cats with headphones - while under the effects of anesthesia, during surgery for neutering.

The unconscious felines were exposed to 2 minute bursts of silence, classical music, pop and heavy metal rock - whilst researchers monitored the subject's respiratory rate, pupil diameter and medical signs of stress.

The researchers found that Samuel Barber's 'Adagio for Strings' produced a significantly lower breathing rate and pupil diameter than AC/DC - whilst Natalie Imbruglia's 'Torn' produced 'intermediate values'.

The team is hopeful that with further research, music could potentially playing a part in lowering the dose of anesthesia required to keep pets sedated during surgery – therefore significantly reducing the risk of complications and post operative side effects.

The report also found the cats became 'more calmer, confident and tolerant' throughout the pre-surgery clinical evaluation whilst exposed to the works of George Handel.

The study follows results published last month by the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the University of Glasgow that concluded classical music also has a calming effect on dogs.

Full study available at: http://bit.ly/1CChoxL