Science Friday What cats and dogs hear + A 'smell map' of the nose
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May 1, 2026 
Bob Datta, a Harvard neurobiologist who mapped olfactory receptors in mice, and Pete Scheifele, an animal neuroaudiologist from FETCHLAB. They explore a newly found 'smell map' in the nose. They explain why dogs and cats hear higher frequencies than humans. Short, lively conversations about sensory anatomy, evolution, and practical implications.
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Why Dogs And Cats Hear Ultrasonic Sounds
- Dogs and cats hear much higher frequencies than humans, extending up to about 57 kHz compared with our 20 kHz limit.
- Pete Scheifele explains this is due partly to more outer hair cells in their cochlea, letting them detect ultrasonic sounds we cannot.
Protect Pets From Loud Noises
- Avoid exposing pets to loud, prolonged noises because dogs and cats can suffer noise-induced hearing loss just like humans.
- Pete Scheifele notes hunting dogs exposed to repeated gunshots are at risk unless fitted with hearing protection.
Dalmatians And Congenital Deafness Example
- Dalmatians show a breed example of congenital deafness after irresponsible breeding surged following the movie 101 Dalmatians.
- Pete Scheifele cites roughly 1 in 5 Dalmatian pups may be born unilaterally or bilaterally deaf.