Paper Contents
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of a 70 Hz, pulse-like acoustic frequency delivered through a custom-made pulse-frequency fabric cover integrated with a small speaker on reducing stress in domestic cats using a simple, home-based experimental design. Twelve cats were observed under two conditions: a control session without sound and an experimental session with the device operating continuously for 15 minutes. Heart rate and behavioral stress scores (05 scale) were recorded at baseline and after exposure in each condition. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples. The 70 Hz condition produced a significantly greater reduction in heart rate compared with control (median %HR difference: 0.73 percentage points, p < 0.001, r 0.85). Behavioral scores also decreased more in the 70 Hz condition (mean difference: 0.64 points, p < 0.001, r 0.73). Scatter analysis indicated a consistent relationship between physiological and behavioral improvements. These findings suggest that low-frequency, pulse-like sound delivered via a portable fabric cover with an integrated speaker may be an accessible, non-invasive method for reducing feline stress in home settings. This approach requires minimal equipment and no specialized training, making it feasible for pet owners to implement. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate and refine this technique.Keywords: Low-frequency acoustic stimulation, Feline stress reduction, Heart rate variability, Behavioral stress assessment, Home-based experimental study
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Kittichot Kulsuwan. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
