Simon has a problem

[noni]

I think it's because he's just so dratted smart, but he has a problem.

It's not a big one; but it's happened several times, and I was wondering if anyone else's cat did this.

He can't stand music. Really. I have a CD I use to relax with called "Orca Suite" and it has the sounds of orcas calling to each other over classical music. I have another CD that is similar, except it's a babbling brook with birds.

Every time I play them, he attacks the cd player. So much for relaxing. He literally launches at the player, growling and fussing, and swatting it. He's not going to hurt it...it's just that he goes after it like no-one's business.

The only other time I've ever seen him attack an inanimate object was right after I'd vaccuumed the first time with him around. I got everthing vaccuumed, sat down on the sofa, and he attacked the fan. I really think he thought it was the vaccuum; it's roughly the same size and color, but it's not nearly as noisy as the vaccuum. But still, it was only the once, and he calmed down right after that.

He especially doesn't like the orca one. After doing his best to kill the cd player, he will sit there, and growl at the sounds the orcas make.

It's funny, but I'm starting to be a bit concerned. Does anyone else's fuzzball do anything similar, or does he need to get to a veterinary hearing specialist?

Sigh...live in my house. If it's not Pie sleeping under lamps, it's Simon trying to kill the entertainment system.

??????

Best-
Michele

 

[sunnicat]

Wait, let me stop laughing every time I imagine Simon waging war on the cd player. I'm not laughing at you....it's just one of the funniest things I've heard tonight...and I really needed to hear something funny, so I thank you.

Okay, now seriously...I'm not an expert, but I don't think you have anything to worry about. Sounds like Simon is quite clearly stating that the Orcas are not nearly as relaxing for him as they are for you. Maybe the pitch of the sounds irritates his ears.

And don't feel alone, Sophie sleeps under the lamps here...and anywhere else she dang well feels like sleeping!

 

[ollyextra05]

I'm guessing its the high, reedy tone of the orcas he finds displeasing. Maybe if it was music instead of nature-y sounds he wouldn't be offended? Trust me, your cats are not nearly as weird as mine are...its just not possible!

 

[yayi]

Well, a cat's sense of hearing is more sensitive than ours. What may sound pleasurable to us, may be totally opposite to them. How about you using headphones next time?

 

[sylorna]

HAHA that's so cute, and very much something that Chester would pull out of his little boots. I think that it's amazing how music can affect animals. I'd have to agree with the other folks on the board though, it's probably the animal sounds and pitches that is doing it do him. Do you think some straight classical might be good?
One of my friends in highschool who lived on a cowfarm did her science experiement on something very similar actually. She'd play different music in the barn during the time when the cows were in there (epecially milking time) for a week and check milk production. Apparently cows don't like rock very much, and love gregarian monk chants. Can't say I'd be up to listening to it, but you never know.
I'll also say that my old cat used to love it when I'd play light rock. She'd come in my room and purr on my bed. Maybe the two of you need to find a genra that you're compatible with

If all else fails, just get some padding for the stereo and some boxing gloves for Simon

 

[wellingtoncats]

Simon is such a character!

 

[jennyr]

I have missed hearing about Simon! Good to know he is still up to his tricks.

 

[noni]

To those who suggested that Si might be responding to a (to him) unpleasant sound, I thank you. Perhaps that's it...and he's just being protective of his territory....I'll keep an eye out, and see if it happens with "regular" music.

Originally Posted by jennyranson

I have missed hearing about Simon! Good to know he is still up to his tricks.

Then you'd be happy to know that today, apparently he got a tad warm. And turned on the fan. It was not on when we left for the hospital, and was definitely on when we returned. And then he killed the computer mouse...killed it by hanging it from it's cord over the keyboard. And the wrist pad? Well, that's dead now, too.

But hey, if the cat can cool off the house for me, then he gets bonus points for thinking of others...

He's such a goofy, sweet, wonderful guy...my life, while calmer, would be far less without him. I am glad he came into my life.

Best-
Michele

 

[elizwithcat]

Originally Posted by noni

To those who suggested that Si might be responding to a (to him) unpleasant sound, I thank you. Perhaps that's it...and he's just being protective of his territory....I'll keep an eye out, and see if it happens with "regular" music.



Then you'd be happy to know that today, apparently he got a tad warm. And turned on the fan. It was not on when we left for the hospital, and was definitely on when we returned. And then he killed the computer mouse...killed it by hanging it from it's cord over the keyboard. And the wrist pad? Well, that's dead now, too.

But hey, if the cat can cool off the house for me, then he gets bonus points for thinking of others...

He's such a goofy, sweet, wonderful guy...my life, while calmer, would be far less without him. I am glad he came into my life.

Best-
Michele

I yet to see a picture of this genetic wonder.

 

[sashacat421]

oh Michele, I'm sorry but it IS a funny image.

Being from whale country up here in the cold waters of the Northwest, I have heard of this before. The reason is that whale sounds, especially Orcas, vibrate the air in certain ways or tonals, that can annoy cats and dogs. It doesn't happen with all cats, but it does happen. A lot of the Indians that live along our coastal waterways and inlets report that they do not own any cats at all! If I can find that article, I will post it.

 

[noni]

He has a cat page...run a search for Simon, and the one with the attitude? Well, that's him. LOL!!!! And I think there is a shot of him in the Cat Lounge Photo section...

Elizabeth, that's an interesting thought. The CD doesn't bother the other cats, just Simon. OTOH, when I've got the DVD up "too loud" for movies like Star Wars *(which just can't be seen quietly...!!!), all the cats leave the room, except Simon. Who sits there, and "protects" me from the movie. Too funny, really...

If you can find the article, it would be great to read...

Best-
Michele

 

[maherwoman]

Sounds to me like the orcas are making sounds that might sound like another animal's threats, and he's responding defensively. As far as the birds...sounds like he's excited and wants to play with them!

My best advice...either not listening to those particular songs anymore, or possibly listening with headphones?

Hope that helps!