What sound drives cats crazy, listen? - briefly
The high-pitched sound of a dog whistle or an ultrasonic device can drive cats crazy. These sounds are inaudible to humans but extremely irritating to felines due to their higher hearing sensitivity.
What sound drives cats crazy, listen? - in detail
Cats are known for their keen senses, particularly their hearing. While they can perceive sounds that humans cannot, certain frequencies and noises can drive them crazy. One such sound is the high-pitched frequency emitted by some electronic devices, notably ultrasonic dog whistles and certain types of house alarms. These sounds are designed to be inaudible to humans but can be extremely bothersome to cats due to their sensitive hearing range.
The human hearing range typically falls between 20 Hz to 20 kHz, whereas cats can hear frequencies as low as 48 Hz and as high as 85 kHz. This expanded range allows them to detect sounds that are inaudible to humans, including the ultrasonic noises mentioned earlier. The high-pitched frequencies in these devices often mimic the sounds of prey or predators, triggering a cat's natural instincts and causing anxiety or agitation.
Additionally, sudden loud noises such as thunderclaps, fireworks, or even loud music can startle and stress cats. Their hearing is so acute that these sounds can be overwhelming, leading to behavioral changes like hiding, increased aggression, or excessive grooming.
It's important for cat owners to be aware of these sound sensitivities and create a calm environment for their pets. This may involve turning off electronic devices that emit ultrasonic frequencies, keeping cats indoors during loud events like fireworks displays, and gradually introducing them to new sounds in a controlled manner. By understanding what drives cats crazy, we can ensure they live in a more comfortable and stress-free environment.