how far can cats hear

Cats are known for their exceptional hearing abilities. They can hear sounds that are too faint or too high for humans to detect. Here are some interesting facts about a cat’s hearing range:

  1. Frequency range: Cats can hear sounds with frequencies as low as 50 Hz and as high as 79 kHz. For comparison, humans can hear sounds with frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.
  2. Distance: Cats can hear sounds from a distance of up to 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) away, depending on the loudness and frequency of the sound.
  3. Directional hearing: Cats have a unique ability to pinpoint the source of a sound with great accuracy. They can rotate their ears independently to locate the sound and even detect the slightest changes in pitch and tone.
  4. Sensitivity: Cats can detect sounds that are as quiet as a whisper, even in a noisy environment. They can also detect the slightest changes in sound pressure, which helps them detect prey or potential threats.

Some examples of sounds that cats can hear but humans can’t include:

  • Ultrasonic calls from mice and other small rodents (typically above 20 kHz)
  • High-pitched bird songs (often above 10 kHz)
  • Squeaks and chirps from insects (can be above 20 kHz)
  • Even the sound of a can opener or a bag of treats being opened from a distance!

Overall, a cat’s hearing is incredibly sensitive and plays a crucial role in their hunting, communication, and survival abilities.

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