I’ve been a flute player twice as long as I’ve been a cat owner (or that cats have owned me), and it still amazes me how each cat responds differently to (live) flute playing. Spunky, my first cat, was so mellow that there was very little in the world that would disturb him. He would simply stalk out of the room when I started playing, fluffy tail held high in indignation
Piccolo (who’s not my cat, but I did live with him for three years, so I’m including him) will stay in the room until the player reaches first ledger line “A”. He then emits a disgusted squeak and exits the room.
Daphne will run squeaking from the room the minute I open the case. She will hide until I’m done.
Imp sees the instrument and runs, terrified, from the room. She will stay in hiding until some other noise has replaced the flute (unless it’s the vacuum cleaner).
Goblin is the oddest. He will not leave the room. He will not make noise. He will make himself as small as possible (and if available crawl into a kitty condo or cubby) and endure. Once I’m done, he will meow three times and be very insistent on lap-time.
I have yet to find a cat that will endure piccolo playing for any amount of time. I think they are the wiser for it.
