A roundup of foreign songs about pets
When it comes to songs about pets, if we’re talking Japanese music, a few tracks might come to mind right away.
But if we limit it to Western music, being able to name some off the top of your head probably means you’re pretty well-versed in it.
Even when words like “DOG” or “CAT” appear in the title or lyrics, they’re often used as some kind of metaphor.
In this article, I’ve researched Western songs about animals, with a focus on pets, and compiled them across different eras and genres.
You don’t see many articles with this kind of theme, and the content is quite interesting—so please take a look!
A Collection of Western Songs About Pets (1–10)
How Much Is That Doggie In The WindowPatti Page
Set to a retro string sound with a cheerful vocal, “How Much Is the Doggie in the Window?” made a striking impression.
It was released in 1952 by singer Patti Page.
The song tells the feelings of a woman who stops by a pet shop, meets a dog she likes, and daydreams, “If only I could keep it at home.” Many who want a pet but can’t have one will relate.
Patti Page later spoke out against the pet industry and the animal abuse that increased with puppy mills.
It’s a song that makes you want to cherish animals even more than before.
Man Of The HourNorah Jones
“Man Of The Hour,” with its mellow clavinet tone, creates a laid-back atmosphere.
It’s a song by singer-songwriter Norah Jones, known for her airy vocals and jazzy tunes.
The track is included on her 2009 album, The Fall.
Realizing there aren’t any decent men around, the protagonist chooses a dog as her fleeting companion.
It’s a song that lets you revel in the unhurried time flowing between the protagonist and her dog.
KirbyNEW!Aesop Rock
Since the late 1990s, Aesop Rock has been a leading figure in the underground hip-hop scene, earning respect for his overwhelming command of vocabulary.
This track from his 2016 album “The Impossible Kid” is a humorous song in which the artist, known for his cryptic style, chronicles life with his beloved cat.
It’s based on his real experience of being advised by a doctor to adopt a cat after years of therapy failed to ease his mental struggles.
The music video, featuring a puppet version of Aesop Rock alongside a real rescue cat, also became a hot topic.
The song depicts how, while being at the mercy of a cat’s whimsical behavior, his heart is gradually healed.
It’s a warm, comforting track that gently supports not only cat lovers but also anyone feeling a bit worn out by everyday life.
Whispers of Your DeathNEW!Counterparts
Among the catalog of Canadian melodic hardcore band Counterparts, the song “Whispers of Your Death” stands out as especially emotional.
It appears on their 2022 album A Eulogy for Those Still Here.
While marked by ferocious instrumentals and screamed vocals, the lyrics express the vocalist’s heartfelt love for his cat, Kuma.
Centered on anticipatory grief—fearing a death that has not yet arrived as he faces his ailing cat—the theme is underscored by the inclusion of the real Kuma in the music video.
The tenderness embedded within the roar and the lyrics that portray the terror of loss are sure to resonate with anyone who shares a life with a pet.
It’s a masterpiece that those preparing to say goodbye to a beloved companion should definitely hear.
My Cat’s Name Is MaceoNEW!Jane’s Addiction
Jane’s Addiction, emblematic of Los Angeles’s underground scene and hugely influential on alternative rock.
This track appears on their 1997 compilation album Kettle Whistle.
In fact, it’s an outtake produced around 1987, also known for featuring the legendary Maceo Parker on saxophone.
It’s a distinctive number marked by quirky lyrics that repeatedly call out the name of a pet cat and a rhythm steeped in funk.
Perry Farrell’s singular vocals intertwine with the band’s performance, vividly conjuring the cat’s free-spirited nature.
A perfect pick for anyone seeking a cat-themed song in Western music with a unique twist.