SPOTIFY RELEASES ‘PET PLAYLISTS’ THAT CHOOSES SONGS FOR YOUR CAT, DOG OR IGUANA TO LISTEN TO

Songs will be chosen to match the characteristics of animals, and the tastes of their owners.

The streaming service has released playlists that are tailored for pets, as well as a podcast for dogs to listen to.

Users can get special songs chosen specifically for a dog, cat, iguana, hamster or bird.

The playlists will be created based on the animals’ characteristics and the humans’ taste. That is intended to allow people to listen along with their pets, which experts say can be helpful for animals.

Neil Evans, a pet physiologist and professor at the University of Glasgow, said: “While there is a lot of scientific research that has shown that short periods of music can make dogs more relaxed, we have shown that providing dogs with varied auditory enrichment can be used to reduce stress and anxiety over longer periods of time.

“When dogs have appropriate auditory enrichment they may bark less, lie down and sleep more, and their bodies are in a more relaxed physiological state.”

According to a survey of 3,000 pet owners who stream music in the UK, around three-quarters say they already play tunes to their animals and believe they love listening to music.

The platform has also created a new podcast for lonely dogs designed to keep them calm when their owner is away from home, called My Dog’s Favourite Podcast.

Each episode features dog-directed praise, stories, affirmation messages and reassurance, with well-known voices including Ralph Ineson and Jessica Raine.

Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA dog welfare expert, said: “While nothing can ever replace the company and presence of a dog’s two-legged friend, research is increasingly showing the effect of music on dog behaviour.

“The type of music a dog listens to is important and research has shown that some music can help dogs relax while other types may have a less beneficial effect so it’s really great Spotify have curated and produced music with dogs in mind.”