If bird-watching is your cat’s idea of a good time, it’s possible you’ve heard him chirping while he gazes out the window. With his tail swishing and eyes wide, he’s definitely tuned in on his potential prey when this strange sound makes its way out of his mouth. And it can be shocking for first-time cat owners! Chirping, also known as chattering, sounds nothing like your cat’s usual meow. But don’t be alarmed if you’ve never heard your cat chirp before.
While some frisky felines are chatterboxes, others are silent and stealthy. So, what’s the cause of this unusual sound? Why do cats chirp? And more importantly, what do these unusual noises mean? Let’s find out together.
Why do cats chirp?
Although some cat owners misinterpret a kitty’s chirp the same as a demanding meow, it turns out that your cat may not be talking to you at all. It’s an instinctual hunting response among felines, which is why you’re most likely to catch your kitty chirping while spying on a squirrel or waiting for a bird to fly by the window. Your cat’s ancestors used this sound to alert other cats of prey in the area without revealing their location, but modern felines do this even if no other cat is around.
You can understand this if you watch your cat’s body language when he’s chirping. Chances are, his eyes are wide and focused on something, and he may have stretched his head out, trying to get a better view of what’s going on. You might notice that your cat flicks his tail, crouches down, and tenses his body. There’s an intense focus behind this behavior.
If your cat chirps when he sees you, he may be greeting you or trying to get your attention. You’ll probably notice those same signs of eagerness and focus, but your cat might be slightly more relaxed, walking around or even rubbing against your legs. He may be chirping to say hi or hoping to get you to feed him or play with him. In this case, your cat will be paying attention to you and not what’s outside the window!
What does cat chirping sound like?
When cats chirp, it almost sounds like they’re mimicking a bird. They often make a short series of peeps or trills, and the sound seems to come from the back of their throat. Some cats chirp while barely opening their mouth, while others develop more of an open-mouthed chatter.
Whatever your cat’s style, his chirping is probably a series of sounds directed at something — a bird, a toy, or even you. Chirping is a quieter noise, like an under-the-breath sound, but it’s so unusual that it’s likely to catch your attention when you hear it.
What to do when your cat is chirping
When your cat is chirping at you, the best thing you can do is figure out what he wants. He might want you to pat him or pay attention to him, and he’ll probably reward you by purring and walking around you in circles. Some cats may chirp because they’re hungry and are prompting you to get out the cat food. Try reacting in a number of ways and see if what you do satisfies your cat.
If your cat is chirping at birds, he may be excited by their presence and frustrated that he can’t get outdoors to hunt them. Some cats will go as far as to stalk their prey and attempt to pounce on them through the window.
Not being able to satisfy his natural hunting instinct can be frustrating for an indoor-only cat, so consider finding ways to help your cat “hunt” inside. Toys that squeak and have different textures and movements can help pique your cat’s interest, while playing with toys on a string can give your cat a good workout, helping to keep him healthy and entertained. Even getting a second cat can encourage your cat to stay active, providing him with a playmate. Although, there’s also the chance that you’ll have twice the chirping!
Are cats stressed when they chirp?
Sometimes, cats chirp when they see prey, like birds or squirrels, but are unable to attempt to pounce. In these situations, a cat is excited to see the small animal but frustrated that they cannot tap into their natural hunting instincts. Cats are natural predators, and while we’ve taken the kitties out of the wild and domesticated them, the wild hasn’t completely left the kitties.
Though the cat may be a tad frustrated and disappointed, pet parents should still keep their feline friends inside. Doing so keeps the cat safe from predators, cars, and people with cruel intentions. Overall, cats living indoors usually have longer lifespans, so why wouldn’t you keep them indoors?
Feline noises similar to chirping
Sometimes, a cat’s chirp is just one part of the feline symphony of sounds. Cats can make all kinds of noises while playing, birdwatching, or talking to a loved one, and this can be more difficult to interpret. Chattering that sounds like “ekekekek” is another common sound that felines make while hunting, while a short and sweet trill is often used as a greeting or a sound of happy acknowledgment. You might hear trilling between purrs.
Meows, on the other hand, are an all-purpose sound. It can be next to impossible to guess what your cat is saying with a meow if you don’t know what kind of feline body language to look for. Happy cats will have a relaxed body and upright tail, while a cat who’s stressed may walk low to the ground and keep their tail tucked close to their body.
Final thoughts on cats chirping
If your cat is chirping, it isn’t a bad thing. He’s communicating, whether that’s with you or with the birds outside the window. Cats use noises to convey all sorts of different things, and in most cases, a cat who is chirping is excited or trying to get your attention.
If you’re attempting to understand why your cat chirps, spend some time watching him and pay attention to his body language. The more carefully you observe your cat, the more you’ll learn about his behavior. You might find that your cat is chirping because he wants something specific, and by playing with him, interacting with him, or even feeding him, you’ll be giving him just what he wants.
