What's on your feline's playlist?

CATS like music that incorporates the same frequency range and tempos as their natural vocalizations, according to a new study accepted for publication in the journal Applied Animal Behavioral Science.

Researchers Charles Snowdon of the University of Wisconsin, his colleague Megan Savage and composer and musician David Teie created music that was about an octave or more higher than human voices and referenced tempos of purring and suckling. While the music was on, the listening cats turned toward or approached the speaker, often rubbing against it.

The researchers hope their work can benefit shelter cats by helping them feel less anxious.

* The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine is seeking dogs with chronic gastrointestinal trouble to participate in a clinical study. The goal is to determine the composition of the micro-biome (naturally occurring bacteria in the gut) and how it changes during and after treatment.

Eligible dogs will receive standard diagnostics for canine chronic enteropathy (CCE) and standard treatment for up to eight weeks. Owners must commit to four visits to Penn Vet and to collection of stool samples at home.

For more information, call 215-573-0302 or email vcic@vet.upenn.edu.