Cats possess a remarkable sense of hearing, a trait that significantly shapes their interaction with their environment and contributes to their success as predators. This acute auditory ability allows them to perceive a world of sounds far beyond human detection.
The Extent of Feline Hearing
While an exact “how far” a cat can hear is challenging to pinpoint due to variables like sound volume and environmental interference, their hearing extends significantly further than humans. Cats can hear sounds four to five times farther away than people. They are approximately 10 decibels more sensitive than humans at 1 kHz.
Their ear structure plays a significant role in this enhanced ability. Each of a cat’s ears has around 32 muscles, allowing them to rotate their outer ears (pinnae) up to 180 degrees independently. This mobility enables them to precisely pinpoint sound sources, even from a distance. The cone shape of their ears also amplifies sound waves, particularly those between 2,000 and 6,000 Hertz, aiding their ability to pick up subtle noises for hunting.
What Sounds Cats Detect
Cats possess an extraordinarily broad hearing range, allowing them to detect frequencies well beyond human capabilities. While humans hear sounds from 20 Hertz (Hz) to 20,000 Hz, cats can perceive sounds ranging from approximately 48 Hz to 85,000 Hz. This extensive range means cats can hear ultrasonic sounds.
Their ability to detect ultrasonic frequencies, particularly from 45 kHz to 65 kHz, is beneficial for hunting small prey. Rodents, for example, communicate using ultrasonic vocalizations that cats can detect from a distance. This broad frequency range also aids in intraspecies communication and helps them detect subtle environmental cues, such as the buzzing of an insect or the rustling of leaves caused by small animals.
Caring for Your Cat’s Ears
Maintaining a cat’s auditory health involves regular checks and appropriate care. Routinely inspect your cat’s ears for any signs of infection or parasites. Healthy cat ears typically appear pale pink and should not have any noticeable odor or excessive discharge. Signs such as redness, swelling, unusual discharge (which may resemble coffee grounds), head shaking, ear scratching, or a foul odor indicate an issue and warrant a veterinary visit.
Ear cleaning is generally not necessary for most cats unless advised by a veterinarian. If cleaning is recommended, use only cat-specific ear cleaning solutions. Never use cotton swabs, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol, as these can damage the eardrum or sensitive ear canal. Instead, use a cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe the visible parts of the ear. Protecting your cat from loud noises, especially those exceeding 95 decibels, can help prevent hearing damage, as sounds above 120 decibels can cause permanent harm.