There are many behaviours that we don’t understand about cats and one that has animal researchers quite bewildered is: why do cats chirp? The little chatters, cheeps and chirps that cats let out when they see a bird, butterfly, or other potential prey through the window are some of the most endearing mysteries of the feline world. And, since we can’t take a peek inside that little mind of theirs, we may never know exactly why our cats do this.
But, not all hope is lost. There are a few interesting theories as to why cats chirp, and we can use them to become better Cat Owners!
So, pop some window-watching popcorn and settle in with your feline friend while we take a look at cat chirping.
What is cat chirping exactly?
Before we pounce on the leading theories, let’s explain what exactly we mean by cat chirping.
Cat chirping is a behaviour that you will only notice when your furry friend is fixated on potential prey. Whether they saw a small animal outside the window or are watching you twirl around their favourite toy, your cat may respond by opening their mouth, letting out a few soft, high-pitched chirps and clicking their teeth together in rapid succession.
While we get to enjoy a front row seat to domestic cat chirping, the truth is, wild cats do it too! A study on Brazilian forest cats recorded them chirping and chattering when in the presence of tamarin monkeys, their potential prey. Other big cats, such as cheetahs and pumas, have the ability to chirp, but they tend to use it to communicate with one another instead of when they’re in hunting mode.
Why do cats chirp?
Now that we know what cat chirping is and that it’s related to hunting, let’s take a deeper look into some of the theories behind it:
- Chirping may allow your cat to mimic their prey. If you listen to your cat’s chirping, you might notice that it’s quite similar to the sound of the birds outside or even a small rodent. This has led some scientists to believe that cats use chirping and chattering as a way to lure or relax their prey before they strike. Indeed, the major breakthrough of the Brazilian wild cat study was that those clever felines seemed to be hunting tamarin monkeys by mimicking the chirping sounds of their babies. If this is true for domestic cats, your furry friend might be trying to learn the unique calls of their local wildlife!
- Chirping might be an expression of frustration. Because cats typically chirp and chatter at the window, it’s reasonable to assume that frustration plays a part in the behaviour. Chirping may be your cat muttering to themselves that if only this large pane of glass wasn’t in the way, they would surely be the best hunter in the neighbourhood! Of course, some cats chatter when playing with their beloved Owner or another animal in the house. So, chirping may not be solely a matter of kitty angst
- Adrenaline could be responsible for chirping. Cats are some of the best hunters in the animal world, and it’s all thanks to a few biological tricks that make them super speedy and precise. When a cat gets ready to pounce, for instance, adrenaline floods the brain so that your feline friend can make the most of their one opportunity to surprise their prey. Chattering, then, may be a byproduct of all of those chemicals swirling around in their body
- Chattering and chirping may prepare your cat for the catch. To be sure, you don’t want to think about your sweet, cuddly fluffball killing another animal. But the truth is, cats are highly effective at taking down prey with a swift, deadly attack. One single bite to the neck keeps the hunt short (to prevent bigger animals from taking notice) and struggle-free. It’s possible that when your cat engages in chirping and chattering, they’re preparing their powerful chompers for action
As you can see, there are many possible explanations to the question, “Why do cats chirp?” What we still don’t know is whether the behaviour is intentional or simply a byproduct of nerves. We would love to see more research dedicated to this fascinating feline trait!
Now that we’ve answered, “Why do cats chirp,” what should you do about it?
Cat chirping is a perfectly normal activity that you don’t need to worry about. That said, it is a brilliant reminder that our cats are natural hunters who need an outlet for their predatory prowess. If your cat spends the entire day chattering at the window, you might consider giving them more opportunities for mental stimulation and interaction. Here are a few ideas:
- Play interactively with your cat. For most cats, solo playtime is not nearly as exciting as interactive play with their favourite human. Invest in some cat toys that encourage hunting skills like stalking, chasing, and jumping to give your cat the most life-like experience possible. For more ideas on how to appeal to your cat’s inner hunter, take a look at our article, How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Active
- Schedule play sessions before feeding. Compared to many other predators in the animal world, cats have an amazingly high success rate. By finishing off an energetic play session with a meal or some treats, you can give your cat the same sense of accomplishment that they would enjoy after a successful hunt
- Offer your cat supervised outdoor time. If you want to give your cat the opportunity to interact with the world instead of watching it through the window, you can provide them with some outdoor time. But, that doesn’t mean that it’s safe, for your cat or the local wildlife, to let your furry friend explore on their own. By training them to walk on a leash or setting up an outdoor catio, you can immerse your cat in nature without worrying about them getting into too much trouble
- When you’re away, leave your cat with a friendly Cat Sitter. Although we might think of cats as solitary animals, most would prefer to play, cuddle, and interact with a doting human than be alone. If you want your cat to spend less time chirping and more time pouncing and enjoying pets while you’re away, make sure to leave them in the care of a local Cat Sitter
Overall, we don’t know exactly why cats chirp. But, because the behaviour is based on our cat’s amazing hunting abilities, we can use it as motivation to give our cats the hunting experiences they crave!
Now that you know some of the possible answers to the question, “Why do cats chirp,” what will you do to tap into your cat’s inner hunter?
