FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- A Colorado State University veterinarian and psychologist are studying whether playing music in the waiting room will calm both cats and their owners at the vet.

CSU veterinarian Dr. Narda Robinson and fellow researcher Lori Kogan, a psychologist with CSU who specializes in veterinary and animal issues, said the reason cats are taken to the vet less often than dogs may boil down to the fact that it’s too stressful.

And that may lead to less regular medical attention for cats, Robinson said.

In their study, they’ve found not every form of classical music works. They need music specifically designed to meet the needs of cats.

In addition to the potential stress-reducing benefits, relaxed cats are easier for vets to examine.

“Music therapy research has shown that the simpler, slower, sounds in a moderate to lower range of tone, is more relaxing,” Robinson said.

Robinson and Kogan are looking to enroll 50 cats and their owners in this study.

The cats will visit the Veterinary Teaching Hospital two times to be randomly exposed to one of two different soundscapes of either no music, slow music or classical music.

The 15-minute wait will be videotaped and behavior will be noted through an observation window by independent observers who will not know if music is playing in the exam room.

The caretaker will also fill out surveys about their own as well as their cat’s stress levels before and after the session.

An appointment with a veterinarian is not necessary, and cats enrolled in the study will not be examined by a veterinarian as part of the study.

To participate in the study, cats must be able to hear and meet some minimal health requirements, while caretakers must be able to bring cats to the VTH during afternoon, evening, or weekends for two visits at least two days apart.

Participants who finish the study will receive a CD with music selections from a specially designed music therapy series for animals.

CSU has said that this study is funded by outside sponsor funds designated for research.

To sign up, cat owners can email Robinson at Narda.Robinson@colostate.edu or call the VTH (970) 297-5000 and ask for Robinson.