Radio Station Programmed For Cats, By Cats Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

04/12/2011

Purring Across the Air Waves

No surprise, cats are big radio listeners, filling their days when we're not home with musical accompaniments to those fitful catnaps. Professional pet sitters often report that cats, dogs and other pets are among the biggest fans of classical or country-western music, along with National Public Radio's various offerings. Some cats respond vocally to pure talk radio, getting as much out of the rhetoric as any self-described liberal or conservative listener.

So can it be a surprise to learn that a radio station just for cats is marking its 10-year anniversary? Cat Galaxy Radio turns 10 on April 21. It began in 2001 when Isis, a sleek black cat belonging to Nohl Rosen of Arizona began loudly meowing. "She didn't want food or water, or even to play," Nohl said. "I saw a CD sitting on the table, put it in the player and when the music began, Isis lay down and relaxed. Cat Galaxy Radio was then born."

Nohl, who runs his own computer company, saw a need for programming tailored to the many moods of cats, including Isis and her tabby brother Icarus. Who better to program for that feline audience than he and his own cats, who have very specific musical tastes? Nohl knew the best way to reach all those other cats was to broadcast via the Internet. "This gives us a global audience and presence rather than just a local one," he said. You can check the station out and listen with your cats at www.catgalaxymedia.com, and also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

"Cats are our typical listeners, with humans being just the side effect," Nohl said. As the owner and head DJ of the station, he began assembling musical sets that cats would respond to. "If they don't like a song, it doesn't get aired. Icarus is our assistant station manager, and a great decision maker on the music we play." Isis, who bears the title of station owner, is a big fan of Ozzy Osbourne. She's partial to smooth jazz, funk, swing and R&B.

Nohl created a collection of programming, starting with the "Morning Meows" to kick off the day. Live nighttime shows---overseen by Icarus--begin at 7 p.m. (9 p.m. Central, 10 p.m. Eastern) and range from the "Tuesday Night Cat Club" to the "Thursday Night Purr Party," with the week capped by the "Friday Night Feline Frenzy." Each show includes an eclectic blend of instrumentals or vocals, a mix that keeps felines interested and mellow or energized, depending on the beat. Your cat may be listening to George Benson, classic rock, Glenn Miller, vintage jazz or a Alternative cut.

In addition to providing music to a feline audience, Cat Galaxy ("All Cats, All the Time!") is deeply involved in cat-related causes. On the air, Nohl talks up the cats awaiting adoption at a local shelter, promotes the benefits of spaying and neutering, as well as the TNR (trap,neter, return) efforts for free-roaming cats. His Phoenix company, Panther TEK, is hosting a cat food drive benefitting the Arizona Safe Haven for Animals.

What's next for Cat Galaxy? "We've expanded into Internet TV," Nohl said. "We've produced a few shows and expect to have new videos online soon. And we are still the only radio station specifically for cats. We do love our listeners!" The kind that purr, of course.

 

Comments

[Jerry and Kay]

What a great story! Our little cat loves music, espcially guitar instrumentals. We love the idea of Cat Galaxy promoting charitable causes, too. We wish them good luck and much success. Thanks, Kathy, for another heartwarming article.

[Barbara Breuer]

I would love to hear the station, but the link sends me nowhere. I have heard of this before and can never find it.

[Jake]

Now this is a new one for me - I've heard of cat (and dog) videos, but never a radio station. How cool! You do find the neatest things to share!

[Jillian Peterson]

Sharing this with some fellow cat lovers! Wonderful!

[Jillian Peterson]

YIKES! The host really needs a new mic. It's very scratchy. No pun intended.

[Jillian Peterson]

Barbara, the link is really hidden.
Try this:
http://catgalaxy.listen2myradio.com/

[Cat Galaxy]

The Cat Galaxy staff would like to thank everyone for visiting our station and listening in. We turned 10 years old today. We'd also like to thank the writer of this blog for featuring Cat Galaxy. Meow!