Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
Entry 448Filed under Breeding

Do Cats Have Good Hearing? Range, Comparison and What Affects It

Cats hear far higher-pitched sounds than people. Here is what the published frequency ranges mean, why the numbers differ between studies, and what can affect a cat's hearing.
4-minute read By Animalso Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Yes. Cats hear a wider range of sounds than people do, and their advantage is greatest at high frequencies. The exact numbers depend on how the test defined the threshold for “hearing,” so the figures below are only meaningful when they are read alongside their source and test criterion.

How wide is a cat’s hearing range?

Two widely cited sources give slightly different limits for cats. They are not in conflict. They measured hearing under different sound-level criteria, and a range is only comparable to another when the criterion is the same.

Source Cat range Test criterion Basis
Rickye S. Heffner and Henry E. Heffner, Hearing Research, 1985 48 Hz to 85 kHz Sounds at 70 dB SPL Behavioral audiograms from two cats
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery review, 2017 45 Hz to 65 kHz (typical range) Responses below 60 dB SPL Synthesis of earlier published studies

The 1985 study put the point plainly: “The hearing range of the cat for sounds of 70 dB SPL extends from 48 Hz to 85 kHz, giving it one of the broadest hearing ranges among mammals.” Because the criterion is a louder 70 dB SPL, the reported range is narrower than it would be at a fainter threshold would suggest for the same animals. The 2017 review uses a quieter 60 dB SPL cutoff and reports a slightly narrower span.

When you quote either figure, state three things: the lower and upper frequency limits, the sound level used to define the limit, and the source. A number without those details is not a like-for-like measurement.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Dr.meter Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids Adults Toddler Ear Protection
  • 【Supreme Comfort Padding】: Wrap your child's ears in cloud-like softness! Dr.meter noise cancelling headphone is made of premium memory foam cores with PU leather padding, creating a breathable seal that stays cozy during monster jams, fireworks, concerts, or even long-term sports events. Designed for providing comfortable wearing—no itching or pressure marks!
  • 【SNR32dB Noise Reduction】: This kids earmuff is cutting-edge acoustic engineering meets mom-approved protection; ABS shells+ triple-layer sound-dampening foam block harmful decibels at monster truck rallies while keeping voices clear for "Mommy, look!" moments. It reduces noise (by 32dB SNR/26dB NRR) but does not completely block sound, suitable for noise sensitive kids, child concentration aid, and autism sensory.
  • 【Adjustable Headband & DIY Fun】: The cute cat ear noise cancelling headphone for kids' adjustable headband accommodates toddlers, children, teenagers, as well as adults. The package includes 2 stickers for personalization, letting your child’s creativity shine while ensuring comfort and full protection! Tips: If too tight, place it on a size 3 soccer ball for 4 hours to loosen.
  • 【Double-Certified Safety & Cute Design】: Breathe easy with ANSI S3.19-1974 & CE EN 352-1 certified hearing armor. Our ear protection earmuffs are meticulously designed to provide optimal safety and stylish wearing. With an impressive SNR 32 dB/NRR 26dB, they excel at reducing noise and protecting ears of your kids as well as your own hearing.
  • 【For Inside & Outside Activities】: From school study to air shows, celebration fireworks to monster truck shows, and noisy concerts to theme park chaos—these foldable ear defenders transform noise hazards into joyful memories. Dr. meter kids ear muffs are the perfect solution for your child's hearing protection needs.

How cats compare with dogs and people

The 2017 review places cats, dogs and humans on the same comparative scale, which makes it the most useful side-by-side reference for general readers. Its authors also caution that the species were not all tested with identical methods, so treat the table as a comparison of published figures rather than a controlled experiment.

Species Low-frequency limit High-frequency limit Source and criterion
Cat 45 Hz 65 kHz 2017 review; 60 dB SPL criterion
Dog 67 Hz 45 kHz 2017 review; methods vary by study
Human 64 Hz 23 kHz 2017 review; methods vary by study

The practical takeaway is that the cat’s advantage is at the top of the scale. A cat can detect sounds in the ultrasonic range where human hearing has ended, which is why high-pitched noises such as rodent squeaks or a toy’s ultrasonic whistle can be audible to a cat and inaudible to a person. Cats are also slightly better than people at the low end on this comparison, but that difference is small next to the high-frequency gap.

Rank #2
Sale
Dr.meter Cat Ear Cancelling Headphones for Kids Ear Pritection EM200
  • 【Supreme Comfort Padding】: Wrap your child's ears in cloud-like softness! Dr.meter noise cancelling headphone is made of premium memory foam cores with PU leather padding, creating a breathable seal that stays cozy during monster jams, fireworks, concerts, or even long-term sports events. Designed for providing comfortable wearing—no itching or pressure marks!
  • 【SNR32dB Noise Reduction】: This kids earmuff is cutting-edge acoustic engineering meets mom-approved protection; ABS shells+ triple-layer sound-dampening foam block harmful decibels at monster truck rallies while keeping voices clear for "Mommy, look!" moments. It reduces noise (by 32dB SNR/26dB NRR) but does not completely block sound, suitable for noise sensitive kids, child concentration aid, and autism sensory.
  • 【Adjustable Headband & DIY Fun】: The cute cat ear noise cancelling headphone for kids' adjustable headband accommodates toddlers, children, teenagers, as well as adults. The package includes 2 stickers for personalization, letting your child’s creativity shine while ensuring comfort and full protection! Tips: If too tight, place it on a size 3 soccer ball for 4 hours to loosen.
  • 【Double-Certified Safety & Cute Design】: Breathe easy with ANSI S3.19-1974 & CE EN 352-1 certified hearing armor. Our ear protection earmuffs are meticulously designed to provide optimal safety and stylish wearing. With an impressive SNR 32 dB/NRR 26dB, they excel at reducing noise and protecting ears of your kids as well as your own hearing.
  • 【For Inside & Outside Activities】: From school study to air shows, celebration fireworks to monster truck shows, and noisy concerts to theme park chaos—these foldable ear defenders transform noise hazards into joyful memories. Dr. meter kids ear muffs are the perfect solution for your child's hearing protection needs.

A wider range is not the same as better hearing at every pitch or greater sensitivity to quiet sounds. Range describes which frequencies an animal can respond to; sensitivity describes how quiet a sound can be and still be heard. Neither measure in these sources captures how a cat interprets a sound.

How a cat’s ears locate sounds

A cat’s outer ear, or pinna, collects sound and funnels it down the ear canal. Middle- and inner-ear structures then carry the vibration and convert it into nerve signals. The outer ear does more than collect sound, though. It is the part that helps a cat work out where a sound is coming from.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Dr.meter EM200 Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids Cute Cat Ear Muffs
  • 【Ultra-Soft Comfort with Durable ABS Support】:Dr.meter noise cancelling headphone features premium memory foam cushions with soft PU leather for all-day comfort. Durable ABS outer shells help maintain the earmuffs’ shape while evenly distributing pressure to prevent pinching or red marks. Easy-to-clean surfaces keep the earmuffs fresh for fireworks, concerts, sports events, travel, and daily use.
  • 【SNR32dB Noise Reduction】: This kids earmuff is cutting-edge acoustic engineering meets mom-approved protection; ABS shells+ triple-layer sound-dampening foam block harmful decibels at monster truck rallies while keeping voices clear for "Mommy, look!" moments. It reduces noise (by 32dB SNR/26dB NRR) but does not completely block sound, suitable for noise sensitive kids, child concentration aid, and autism sensory.
  • 【Adjustable Headband & DIY Fun】: The cute cat ear noise cancelling headphone for kids' adjustable headband accommodates toddlers, children, teenagers, as well as adults. The package includes 2 stickers for personalization, letting your child’s creativity shine while ensuring comfort and full protection! Tips: If too tight, place it on a size 3 soccer ball for 4 hours to loosen.
  • 【Double-Certified Safety & Cute Design】: Breathe easy with ANSI S3.19-1974 & CE EN 352-1 certified hearing armor. Our ear protection earmuffs are meticulously designed to provide optimal safety and stylish wearing. With an impressive SNR 32 dB/NRR 26dB, they excel at reducing noise and protecting ears of your kids as well as your own hearing.
  • 【For Inside & Outside Activities】: From school study to air shows, celebration fireworks to monster truck shows, and noisy concerts to theme park chaos—these foldable ear defenders transform noise hazards into joyful memories. Dr. meter kids ear muffs are the perfect solution for your child's hearing protection needs.
  • Each pinna is mobile, and the left and right ears can move independently of each other.
  • Turning the ears lets a cat aim its ears toward a sound source before it turns its head.
  • Independent movement helps with direction-finding, because a sound reaches each ear slightly differently.

What a wide range does not guarantee

Having an excellent hearing range is a species-level feature. It does not mean that a particular cat hears normally. Several conditions can reduce hearing in an individual animal, and Cornell’s Feline Health Center lists the following as common causes of impaired hearing:

  • Congenital defects present from birth
  • Infections, including ear infections
  • Trauma to the ear or head
  • Age-related changes in hearing

Ear disease deserves particular attention. Untreated outer-ear infection, known as otitis externa, can damage tissue over time and may lead to permanent deafness. Cornell’s Feline Health Center also quotes James Flanders, DVM, associate professor of surgery at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: “Most feline ear disorders are readily treatable and will not result in permanent hearing loss.” Early assessment is what makes that outcome likely.

Rank #4
Dr.meter Kids Ear Protection Ear Muffs for Noise Reduction Cute Cat Ear
  • 【Supreme Comfort Padding】: Wrap your child's ears in cloud-like softness! Dr.meter noise cancelling headphone is made of premium memory foam cores with PU leather padding, creating a breathable seal that stays cozy during monster jams, fireworks, concerts, or even long-term sports events. Designed for providing comfortable wearing—no itching or pressure marks!
  • 【SNR32dB Noise Reduction】: This kids earmuff is cutting-edge acoustic engineering meets mom-approved protection; ABS shells+ triple-layer sound-dampening foam block harmful decibels at monster truck rallies while keeping voices clear for "Mommy, look!" moments. It reduces noise (by 32dB SNR/26dB NRR) but does not completely block sound, suitable for noise sensitive kids, child concentration aid, and autism sensory.
  • 【Adjustable Headband & DIY Fun】: The cute cat ear noise cancelling headphone for kids' adjustable headband accommodates toddlers, children, teenagers, as well as adults. The package includes 2 stickers for personalization, letting your child’s creativity shine while ensuring comfort and full protection! Tips: If too tight, place it on a size 3 soccer ball for 4 hours to loosen.
  • 【Double-Certified Safety & Cute Design】: Breathe easy with ANSI S3.19-1974 & CE EN 352-1 certified hearing armor. Our ear protection earmuffs are meticulously designed to provide optimal safety and stylish wearing. With an impressive SNR 32 dB/NRR 26dB, they excel at reducing noise and protecting ears of your kids as well as your own hearing.
  • 【For Inside & Outside Activities】: From school study to air shows, celebration fireworks to monster truck shows, and noisy concerts to theme park chaos—these foldable ear defenders transform noise hazards into joyful memories. Dr. meter kids ear muffs are the perfect solution for your child's hearing protection needs.

White cats with blue eyes

One specific risk is well documented. According to Dr. Flanders, as quoted by Cornell, about 80 percent of white cats with two blue eyes show signs of deafness at about four days old. Cornell attributes this to cochlear degeneration. The estimate applies to that coat and eye-color group only. It does not mean that all white cats, or cats in general, are deaf or at similar risk.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

When to see a veterinarian

Book a veterinary examination if you notice any of the following, since the cause may be treatable:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Dr.meter Kids Hearing Protection Earmuffs for Noise Reduction Cat Ear
  • 【Supreme Comfort Padding】: Wrap your child's ears in cloud-like softness! Dr.meter noise cancelling headphone is made of premium memory foam cores with PU leather padding, creating a breathable seal that stays cozy during monster jams, fireworks, concerts, or even long-term sports events. Designed for providing comfortable wearing—no itching or pressure marks!
  • 【SNR32dB Noise Reduction】: This kids earmuff is cutting-edge acoustic engineering meets mom-approved protection; ABS shells+ triple-layer sound-dampening foam block harmful decibels at monster truck rallies while keeping voices clear for "Mommy, look!" moments. It reduces noise (by 32dB SNR/26dB NRR) but does not completely block sound, suitable for noise sensitive kids, child concentration aid, and autism sensory.
  • 【Adjustable Headband & DIY Fun】: The cute cat ear noise cancelling headphone for kids' adjustable headband accommodates toddlers, children, teenagers, as well as adults. The package includes 2 stickers for personalization, letting your child’s creativity shine while ensuring comfort and full protection! Tips: If too tight, place it on a size 3 soccer ball for 4 hours to loosen.
  • 【Double-Certified Safety & Cute Design】: Breathe easy with ANSI S3.19-1974 & CE EN 352-1 certified hearing armor. Our ear protection earmuffs are meticulously designed to provide optimal safety and stylish wearing. With an impressive SNR 32 dB/NRR 26dB, they excel at reducing noise and protecting ears of your kids as well as your own hearing.
  • 【For Inside & Outside Activities】: From school study to air shows, celebration fireworks to monster truck shows, and noisy concerts to theme park chaos—these foldable ear defenders transform noise hazards into joyful memories. Dr. meter kids ear muffs are the perfect solution for your child's hearing protection needs.
  • Apparent loss of response to sounds, such as no reaction to a familiar voice or a food container
  • Persistent head shaking, scratching at the ears, or rubbing the head
  • Discharge, odor, redness, swelling or pain around the ear
  • Head tilt, loss of balance, or unusual eye movements

Do not start home treatment for a suspected ear problem without a diagnosis. Ear canals differ in how they can be treated, and the wrong product or a damaged eardrum can make the problem worse.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from Field Notes

  1. Entry 01Disaster Preparedness for Pets: What to Plan and PackBreeding6 min
  2. Entry 02Holiday Pet Safety Tips: How to Keep Dogs and Cats Safe Through the HolidaysBreeding7 min
  3. Entry 03What to Buy for a New Rescue Dog: A First-Week Essentials GuideBreeding3 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.