Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine

Biophysical aspects of anthropogenic noise impact on the auditory system of Felis catus in various ecological niches

Olena Martynova*

Slyvka_UNU@proton.me

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Abstract

Anthropogenic noise is considered an important physical factor of the urban environment that may modify behavioural, neurophysiological and sensory responses in the domestic cat Felis catus. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analytical synthesis of scientific evidence on the effects of household, traffic, clinical and other anthropogenic noise on the auditory system of Felis catus in different ecological niches. The study used systematic literature searching, comparative analysis of experimental and clinical studies, qualitative meta-analysis, normalisation of acoustic indicators in dB, Hz and kHz, and synthesis of data on behavioural, cardiovascular, endocrine and neurological responses. Noise sources acting in the home, veterinary clinic, shelter, hospital environment and open urban space were examined. It was found that cats, owing to their broad hearing range and their ability to respond to high-frequency and ultrasonic stimuli, may show stress responses even to sounds perceived by humans as ordinary household noise or as relatively low-intensity signals. The results of the study showed that as noise frequency increased, cats experienced stress, and the functioning of their cardiovascular system deteriorated. Additionally, noise can affect the endocrine system, as stress leads to the release of excessive amounts of hormones, which in turn affect the functioning of the entire organism. There was also a deterioration in hearing due to an increase in the frequency at which sounds were perceived, which subsequently led to the development of symptoms of deafness. Thus, sounds that humans perceive as ordinary and everyday are stressful for animals and can influence changes in their behaviour. In addition, prolonged exposure to anthropogenic noise can cause deafness in animals, leading to complete or partial hearing loss. The practical value of the study lies in the possibility of using the obtained results by veterinarians, shelter staff, cat owners and bioacoustics researchers when designing acoustically environments for Felis catus

Keywords

domestic cat; frequency; external ear; stress; deafness; human activity

Suggested citation
Martynova, O. (2026). Biophysical aspects of anthropogenic noise impact on the auditory system of Felis catus in various ecological niches. Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, 22(4),127-140. https://doi.org/10.31548/dopovidi/4.2026.127
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