As a biomusicologist, David Parsons is intensely aware that his compositions will involve a wide range of feline motor effects, including cerebral, subcortical and limbic. Because of this he strives to produce a synthesis of intricate feline aural stimuli in order to bring about 'emotional' musical responses from the cat which can alter its blood pressure and pulse rate and so change its breathing and the intensity of its energy modulating purr.

These specially devised sounds motivate the sensitive cat to respond, and the rhythmic-melodic structures which contain the sounds, encourage an order and a direction in its movements which can synchronize with the same order and direction in its human dance partner and so lead to a heightened communication. Parson's deliberate use of dissonant elements in the upper register have a liberating effect on most cats who respond with startled delight and often prolong their efforts accordingly.

It was from Tibetan cat charmers that he learnt how it is possible to 'drive' the cat's purr frequency by using sound combinations to bring about a synchronicity between the rhythm of the music and the cat's respiratory rhythm during the dance. Amongst other things, this enables the cat to prolong its physical effort, thereby making it possible for it to dance with us beyond its normal limited range of short-lived leaps and flurries. A Discussion on Music for Cat Dancing

"Tibetan cat charmers?" That sounds like something worth pursuing. I don't know about the dancing, but I do know that at least one of my cats (Dinah) responds to music. She loves to be sung to and, especially, whistling. It makes her purr and roll around and, for all the signs, makes her very happy.

When Bob holds the cats, he holds them up next to his chest and throat and sings and talks to them, and they seem to love the vibrations of his deep voice.

I should probably try dancing with Dinah. She might like it.