Key Takeaways
- What is Cat Chattering?
- Why Do Cats Chatter?
- What Is Your Cat Saying When He Chatters?
- Cats & Kittens
- Cat Behavior
- Common Cat Behaviors
Cat chattering is a normal behavior caused by your little hunter's ancestral predatory instincts.
Karen is a non-partisan pet lover, having raised dogs, cats, canaries, horses, donkeys, chickens, and tropical fish. She writes about gardening, rural life, and, of course, her two precocious Jack Russell terriers (Pez and Dash), Labrador Retriever (Pilot), and her 35-year-old quarter horse (Yukon).
- What is Cat Chattering?
- Causes
- Meaning
- Chattering at You
- Should You Worry?
Cat chattering is a noise you've probably heard from your feline friend, especially while they sit at the window, laser-focused on squirrels hopping from branch to branch or birds chowing down at a bird feeder.
What's going through little Fluffy's mind as he chatters away? We spoke with an expert to learn about cat chattering and why they do it.
What is Cat Chattering?
Cat chattering is a type of vocalization made by some cats. Also called chirping or twittering, it sounds similar to the noises of small prey, such as birds and squirrels. When cats chatter, you'll see rhythmic jaw movement and an open mouth (almost as if they are talking). You might also notice physical changes in your cat, such as widened eyes, dilated pupils, and ears tilted forward. Kitty is concentrating hard, and their body shows it.
Cats have a whole repertoire of noises to express their feelings: purring to signal contentment, meowing to say hello, and caterwauling, hissing, or yowling to indicate fear or anger. Chattering might not be as common in some cats, but it's a perfectly normal behavior.
Why Do Cats Chatter?
Cat chattering nearly always happens when a cat is interested in a visual or auditory stimulus, such as a bird or rodent moving about. This behavior comes from your cat's hunting instincts and might be a strategy to mimic prey, making it easier to sneak up and catch them (similar to the calls used by human hunters). Cats may also chatter to express their feelings about what they see or hear. Cat chattering often occurs at a window, but some cats may chatter at a ceiling or wall if they hear a small critter.
What Is Your Cat Saying When He Chatters?
According to Marilyn Krieger, certified cat behavior consultant in San Francisco, there are a couple of things your cat may be trying to convey by chattering.
- Adrenaline: "Chattering might be caused by neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, as well as the hormone cortisol/adrenaline that is released into the system," Krieger says.
- Frustration: "If a pane of glass separates a cat from its prey, the chattering at the window may also indicate pure frustration of not being able to readily reach the prey," Krieger adds.
- Joy: Some cats might chatter when simply playing. "I've seen cats chatter over a laser pointer," Krieger says.
What if Your Cat Chatters at You?
If you are playing with your cat with toys that imitate prey, such as toy mice, your cat may chatter at you while you're holding the toy. It's usually nothing to worry about. Just be sure to keep an eye on your furry friend and back off playtime if he looks like he's about to pounce. While your domesticated pet knows and loves you, wild instincts can't be turned off when perceived prey is around (especially when it's dusted in catnip).
Should I Worry When My Cat Chatters?
Cat chattering is a normal behavior and generally nothing to worry about. However, if your cat seems especially stressed while chirping, consult your veterinarian for advice. Your cat may have a health problem that is causing distress.
Enrich your cat's environment to minimize stress and frustration. Consider interactive toys, scratching posts, and vertical space (cat trees, perches, and shelves). Most importantly, do not punish or scold your cat for chattering as this can be confusing and scary. If the noise becomes bothersome, close the curtains and play a fun game with your cat.
