Article by KJ McGlinn
As Your Kitty Correspondent for Pet Pals TV and my new show, “The Cat Conversation“, I’m always on the lookout for innovative ways to enhance the lives of our feline friends. Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with Travis Schumacher, a passionate sound therapist who has taken his love for music and his cat, Perseus, to a whole new level. Together, they are exploring the calming effects of sound therapy not just for humans, but for our beloved cats as well.
Travis began his journey with sound therapy through his YouTube channel, Healing Vibrations, where he aimed to help people find peace and healing through sound. However, it was his experience with Perseus that opened his eyes to the potential benefits of sound therapy for cats. “He was actually attracted to them right off the bat,” Travis shared, referring to his crystal singing bowls. “Whenever I’d go up and play, he would run up the stairs and appear in the room. He’s like, ‘Oh, dad’s playing the singing bowls. Let me get a part of this!’”
This connection between Travis and Perseus is heartwarming, and it’s clear that their bond has deepened through the practice of sound therapy. As Travis explained, “Sound itself can stimulate all different types of releases within us. We all have our favorite songs that we listen to, and when we feel that right note at the right time, we get those goosebumps through our bodies.” This phenomenon isn’t limited to humans; cats can experience similar reactions to sound, which can lead to a more relaxed and harmonious environment.
I couldn’t help but relate to Travis’s experiences with his cats. My own feline companions have shown remarkable responses to soothing sounds. “I’ve noticed that my cats are much calmer during and after your sound therapy sessions,” I mentioned to Travis. “It’s as if they can feel the vibrations and let go of their stress.” He agreed, sharing his observations about how his cats react to different frequencies. “Especially the lower frequencies, they really calm them nicely. When I get up to the higher pitches, you can see their ears twitch, and they’re like, ‘What note was that?’”
The calming effects of sound therapy are not just anecdotal; they are backed by the experiences of many pet owners. Travis has amassed nearly half a million followers on his YouTube channel, where viewers can witness the tranquil effects of sound therapy on both him and Perseus. “I’ve seen my other cat come and join me when I play the singing bowls too,” he said. “It’s rare for her to spend much time with me, but she always comes over during those sessions. It’s incredible to see how sound can bring them together.”
So, if you’re looking for a new way to bond with your furry friend, I highly recommend checking out Travis’s Healing Vibrations channel on YouTube. You might just find that it brings you closer together, one soothing note at a time.
You can see my interview with Travis (and Perseus!) on Pet Pals TV here: https://www.petpalstv.com/post/soothing-sounds-to-calm-your-cat
KJ McGlinn, Kitty Correspondent for Pet Pals TV and The Cat Conversation, and author of ‘Raised by Cats: Behind the Mic and the Meows,’ is a go-to expert for cat parents often referred to as “Your Cat Mom Bestie.” She empowers overwhelmed owners with comprehensive resources and a supportive community, KJ’s Cat Club and the ultimate feline lover academy, The League of Extraordinary Cat People helping them become the Super Cat Parents they aspire to be and strengthening the bond with their feline companions.