Paul McAuliffe, flute player and maker, autism advocate, writer and professional musician, has been routinely serenading the big cats at the Bear Creek Feline Center, in Panama City for more than five years. His creative use of the flute has benefited the Florida panthers, an endangered species.

McAuliffe didn’t go to the feline center with the intention of playing flute for cats. While visiting with a friend, they both noticed the pacing and sporadic movements of the panthers; McAuliffe’s friend suggested he go back to the car and bring in his flute for the animals.

Neither could guess that both the cats’ and McAuliffe’s lives were about to change. As soon as he sat down near the cage and began playing, the cats came over to listen, and their reaction was immediate. “I have never heard a full-grown panther purr. It’s like listening to a motorcycle at a stop light. I was stunned by their obvious delight and how it seemed to calm them,” says McAuliffe.

After that first performance, McAuliffe was drawn to do it more often, and can be found at the center on many Sunday afternoons playing for all the big cats. Like most frequent visitors to the park, he does have his favorites, and most loves the Florida panthers and the one western mountain lion.

“They have amazing energy. They are such powerful beings that are totally in the present moment. Their movements are both graceful and strong," says McAuliffe.

It seems the cats also have their favorite visitors. McAuliffe explains, “I am told by the owners of the center that the cats recognize people by scent, sight and sound. They even seem to know people by the sound of the person’s car, and they will show a reaction before the person is even at the enclosure area.”

One of McAuliffe’s favorites is a young panther named Saint. He was named after the Saints football team when they won the Super Bowl a few years ago. Says McAuliffe, “Even before I get within sight of his enclosure, I can hear Saint’s yipping sound he makes when he knows I am coming. When I hear that, I feel that all is well is in creation.” McAuliffe is also popular with the cat handlers. He sometimes plays when they are in the enclosure, helping to keep the cats calm. When he is not at the center, the owners sometimes put on one of his music CDs to calm the cats.

McAuliffe is a spiritual seeker and a level 3 Reiki practitioner. “There is no gap between my spirituality and my music. When I play, I like to think that both the four-legged and the two-legged creatures can feel the vibration energy,” he states.

While McAuliffe routinely inspires the big cats to calmness, they also inspire him. His recently released third CD is entitled Young Cat Dreams, featuring 11 different wooden and bamboo flutes; three of which were created by McAuliffe. The cover photo shows him playing a bamboo flute that he crafted next to a young panther named Takota, clearly enjoying the music.

While his earlier recordings contained more active music and the inclusion of drums, Young Cat Dreams contains quieter, more relaxing music, created by McAuliffe to be used for lullabies, general quiet time, meditation or just to help relieve the stress of the day. It was inspired by people that have used his music for years to help their children go to sleep.

McAuliffe plays at a variety of venues, such as coffeehouses, art galleries and schools. He also is available for gallery openings, concerts, school events or parlor concerts. However, nothing keeps him from his “cat time.” He explains, “The cats love the music and I love them, so it all balances out. I am so privileged to have these amazing beings in my life.”

To hear excerpts of McAuliffe’s music, visit CDBaby.com/cd/paulmcauliffe2. To contact McAuliffe, email [email protected]. To learn more about the feline center in Panama City, visit BearCreekFelineCenter.org/welcome.