Meow there, fabulous hoomans. It’s me, Erik – your chief fluff officer, resident philosopher, and all-round fab feline. Today, I’m here to talk about something very close to my velvet-padded paws: the music that makes me purr.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Erik, why would a cat care about playlists?” Well, my whiskers know no bounds. Whether I’m stretching in a sunbeam, zooming off for a surprise sprint, or supervising my fur-parents at breakfast, sound matters. Especially when it shapes the soundtrack of a cat’s life.
Why Sound Matters to Cats Like Me
First things first: cats hear the world differently from hoomans. Our ears are finely tuned to higher frequencies, which means even the gentlest sound can grab our attention. A purr-inducing noise isn’t just pleasant; it helps set the mood for naps, playtime, quiet observation and everything in between.
Every day in the Happydesigner studio – the creative space where my antics inspired a whole illustrated universe – there’s a hum of activity. Sketches, ideas, stories, and sometimes music float through the air. Just as colour and character help tell a story, sound adds another layer to how a space feels.
Meet Barry – The Human Behind the Harmonies
You may have noticed that some videos and animations connected to the Happydesigner world have catchy tunes or memorable sounds. That’s because one of the humans here, Barry, creates music as part of what Happydesigner offers.
Barry is a professional musician, composer and songwriter who creates theme tunes, music for animation, audiobooks, theatre, social media content and more. In short, he writes music designed to support storytelling and emotion.
While my role in the studio mainly involves napping in important places and offering moral support, Barry’s role is to shape how things sound. Music is part of the creative toolkit here, just like illustration and words, and it’s all made in the same friendly, slightly cat-supervised environment.
A Cat’s Guide to Purr-Inducing Tunes
I can’t speak for every cat (some of us are very particular), but there are certain types of sound that tend to suit my daily rhythm rather nicely.
For nap time, gentle and calm music works best. Soft melodies with a slower pace make it easier to curl up somewhere warm and drift off without distraction.
For more alert moments, brighter and slightly bouncier tunes can add a sense of fun. When there’s a bit of energy in the air, everything feels more interesting – even chasing absolutely nothing across the floor.
As the day winds down, quieter and more predictable sounds help signal that it’s time to relax. Slower tempos and simple patterns suit an evening stretch and a thoughtful stare out of the window.
These aren’t rules, just observations from a very experienced cat.
Music and the Oh Erik! Lifestyle
If you know me, you’ll know I take lounging very seriously. But I’m also quite invested in the idea that life should be enjoyable, creative and just a little bit whimsical.
Oh Erik! exists to share that outlook – through stories, thoughts, and a shop filled with cat-inspired gifts and goodies. It all started because my humans thought my whiskered wisdom deserved sharing, and somehow it grew into a whole characterful world.
Music fits neatly into that idea. Just as illustrations give a face to a story, sound can give it a mood. It’s not about turning cats into music critics; it’s about creating environments that feel warm, calm, playful or cosy, depending on the moment.
Trying Music at Home With Your Cat
If you’re curious about adding a little music to your cat’s day, here are a few gentle suggestions from someone who listens carefully.
Start quietly. Cats don’t need loud sounds to be interested, and volume matters more than you might think.
Watch your cat’s reaction. Relaxed posture, settling down or quiet curiosity are usually good signs. Walking away simply means “not this one”.
Keep it short. A few minutes here and there is often better than long sessions.
Mix things up. Just like hoomans, cats may enjoy different moods at different times of day.
There’s no single perfect soundtrack. It’s all about paying attention.
Final Thoughts From a Cat Who Listens
From sunny naps to moments of mischief, sound can quietly shape how a day unfolds. In the Happydesigner studio, where my presence helped inspire creative storytelling, music and illustration work side by side to create things that feel good.
So whether you’re choosing a gentle tune for a calm afternoon or a lively rhythm to brighten the room, remember that the soundtrack of a cat’s life is about comfort, curiosity and a little bit of joy.
If it makes you smile and your cat settles happily nearby, you’re probably doing it right.
Purrs,
Erik
(with occasional interruptions from Ernie and Eddy)
PS: If you enjoyed reading about my thoughts on music, why not visit my shop? It’s full of pawsome gifts and goodies for cat lovers, all inspired by my wonderfully whiskered world. You might just find something that makes you purr, too.