A bell on a cat collar seems like it would be annoying to hear all the time for them.
If a bell was attached to yourself 24 hours a day how would you feel?

"Orcas, specifically Orcinus orca, have an unusually developed brain region called the paralimbic lobe. Humans don’t have this structure in the same configuration or proportion.

The Orca Brain

1. Size and Folding

Orca brains weigh around 5–6 kg.

Human brains average 1.3–1.4 kg.

It’s not just size. Their cortex is extremely convoluted, meaning tons of surface area packed into that skull. More folds = more processing capacity.

2. The Paralimbic Lobe

This is the interesting part. Cetaceans, including orcas and dolphins, have, a highly expanded paralimbic system

Dense spindle neurons (also called von Economo neurons), which humans share, but in different distribution

The paralimbic region is associated with:

Emotional processing

Social bonding

Empathy

Complex vocal communication

Humans process those functions primarily through:

The limbic system

The anterior cingulate cortex

The insula

Orcas seem to run a slightly different emotional architecture.

What This Means for Communication - Orcas, have distinct cultural dialects across pods, teach hunting strategies generationally, exhibit grief behaviors, show coordinated cooperative hunting that suggests long-term planning. Their communication isn’t just “calls.” It’s layered acoustic signaling embedded in social memory.

Humans talk with words. Orcas talk in frequencies that travel miles underwater and encode social identity.

The Emotional Question

Do orcas “feel more” than humans?

Their social brains are highly specialized for long-term pod cohesion, they demonstrate behaviors consistent with grief and attachment. Their neural architecture suggests advanced emotional processing

It’s humbling, honestly. We assume emotional sophistication is a human monopoly, and then a 6-ton ocean predator sings lullabies across saltwater thermoclines. Nature did not put all its genius into one species, and that, inconveniently for our ego, is beautiful.

Having been underwater with them, I believe they outshine us in many ways. They are the apex predator of the ocean and even Great Whites leave territories where they hunt them."

"Before the concert began, the conductor announced that rescued cats would be available for adoption. Throughout the performance, the cats explored the hall, curled up on laps, and even perched near the stage, adding a serene and unexpected charm to the evening. Their presence blended seamlessly with the music, creating a memorable experience for attendees.

During intermission, adoption tables were quickly filled as audience members met the cats, completed adoption procedures, and took home most of the animals. By the final bow, only a few cats remained, prompting the conductor to jokingly suggest there was room for a few more “encores.” The event demonstrated how combining creativity with social causes can captivate a community.

This collaboration between the orchestra and local animal shelters shows how traditional events can serve a dual purpose: entertaining the audience while promoting animal welfare. By merging music and rescue efforts, organizers created a joyful, impactful experience that inspired attendees and increased pet adoptions, leaving lasting memories for both humans and animals.

Source / Credit: Local orchestra and animal shelter adoption event observations."