BBC Sounds will begin to cater for pets as well as people with new radio stations, music mixes and podcasts aimed at our faithful animal companions.

From today four legged listeners will be able to hear the first in a series of music mixes - Sounds for Hounds, Purrfect Playlist and Pet Sounds - and brand new podcast ‘A podcast for your Pets with Matt and Mollie’. Hosted by Matt Edmondson and Mollie King and featuring special guests including Nick Grimshaw and Greg James the podcast features shout outs and messages from listeners celebrating their pets. Pet radio and further content will roll out over the coming weeks.

BBC Sounds has been working closely with leading researcher Dr T. Abby from the Meowscow Institute of Animal Behaviour on an intensive pet listening survey, which, combined with his cutting edge research has helped BBC Sounds identify the stories and issues which matter most to people’s pets and the music most likely to lift their spirits to inform, educate and entertain them when they are home alone.

Dr T. Abby says: “I’m delighted to see BBC Sounds is taking the wellbeing of pets so seriously. The fear of abandonment is not a trivial issue for animals left on their own and BBC Sounds, using my extensive research in this area, has commissioned content with hosts that will resonate with animals, helping keep them company and lift their moods.”

Charlotte Lock, Launch Director of BBC Sounds says: “It’s our duty as a public service broadcaster to meet the needs of the widest possible audience. Whether human, canine, feline or equine we want everyone to discover and enjoy more music, radio and podcasts from the BBC.”