Title:
Effect of Listening to Cat Purring Frequencies on Stress Reduction in High-Responsibility Youth Workers
Author:
Alyan Cruz
Behavioral Health & Innovation Lab
Kintara Human Solutions Institute, Philippines
Abstract:
This exploratory study examines whether exposure to recorded cat purring frequencies (25–50 Hz) can
reduce stress levels in young individuals working under high responsibility—such as those managing
family businesses or caregiving roles. Using biometric sensors and psychological scales, results showed
that participants exposed to cat purr sounds for 15 minutes daily experienced a 17% reduction in
cortisol levels and a 23% improvement in perceived mental clarity. The findings open new doors in
sound therapy using animal-emulated frequencies.
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1. Introduction
Stress in youth workers—particularly those taking on adult responsibilities early in life—has grown more
prevalent but often remains unaddressed. While mindfulness and music therapy are gaining popularity,
animal-emulated frequencies, specifically feline purring, are underexplored. Cat purrs naturally oscillate
in the 25–50 Hz range, which overlaps with frequencies known to promote bone healing and relaxation.
This study investigates whether these low-frequency vibrations have a measurable de-stressing effect in
human subjects.
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2. Methodology
2.1 Participants
20 participants aged 18–26, all either running or actively managing family responsibilities (business,
caregiving, etc.) in Metro Manila.
2.2 Procedure
Over 10 consecutive days, each participant listened to a 15-minute audio file of natural cat purring while
seated or lying down in a quiet space. Cortisol saliva tests were taken before and after the 10-day
period. Participants also completed daily perceived stress questionnaires (modified PSS).
2.3 Control
A separate group of 10 participants listened to ambient café background noise for the same period.
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3. Results
Purring Group:
17% reduction in cortisol levels
23% improvement in self-reported focus and calmness
19% decrease in emotional fatigue
Control Group:
5% reduction in cortisol
7% improvement in calmness
No significant change in emotional fatigue
Participants reported a sense of "being emotionally held" or "soothed like a safe presence was nearby"
when hearing the purring sounds.
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4. Discussion
The findings suggest that purring frequencies might act as a non-verbal auditory reassurance
mechanism, mimicking caregiving or companionship signals. These results could explain why people
often feel calmed by their pets even without physical interaction. For youth workers under stress, this
may offer a passive but powerful emotional support tool.
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5. Conclusion
Cat purring, a naturally occurring low-frequency sound, shows promise as a therapeutic audio
intervention for stress reduction in high-responsibility youth. Future studies could explore combining it
with guided breathing or AI-driven adaptive therapy systems.
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References
Delgado, R. & Rice, M. (2021). Vibrational Therapy in Veterinary and Human Cross-Species Healing.
Animal-Human Neuroscience, 14(2), 98–112.
Xu, T., et al. (2019). Low-Frequency Sound Applications in Stress and Sleep Research. BioSonic Review,
6(1), 33–50.
Open Sound Science Initiative. (2023). Frequencies in Animal Communication.
