Cat Chattering: Why Do They Do It?

Have you ever seen your cat chatter? Some cats are more prone to this behavior than others, but they all have the potential to do this. If you’ve ever seen or heard chirping or cat chattering, you might wonder what she’s doing and whether or not everything is okay.

The good news is that yes, your cat is fine if she’s a chatty one! However, there’s more to the behavior than simply shrugging it off as a normal and average cat activity. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into why cats chatter and help you learn more about your pet as well.

Cat Chattering vs. Chirping vs. Purring

Before talking about the reasons why cats chatter, it’s important to know what chattering is and some other common behaviors/noises your cat can make, which are chirping and purring. As a cat owner, it’s good to know the difference between these sounds so that you can be more aware of what your cat is doing and what might be going on.

Chattering

Chattering is a behavior you may notice that seems almost as though your cat is “grumbling” under her breath. The corners of her mouth might move while she chatters, and she may seem to be talking to whatever she is staring at. Chances are good that she’s probably locked her eyes on something and isn’t easily distracted from whatever she’s interested in, too.

This is generally the behavior that is referred to when someone says their cat is chattering.

Chirping

Chirping, on the other hand, is a different kind of behavior. Cats usually are not rigidly focused on something when chirping, although they might be playing with a toy and practicing their hunting skills when they make this sound.

Cat chirping can be used in a variety if situations, including:

• Greeting human family members
• “Talking” to other cats or dogs
• Playing
• Asking for food
• And more

Some cats like to make a chirping sound when they jump up onto furniture from the floor, and others may be prone to chirping only when they want something from a human in the family. Any and all of these situations are completely normal for cats.

Purring

Finally, purring is the last common noise your cat might make. You probably already know what purring sounds like, especially if you’ve had cats before.

This is the noise your cat makes when she is very content and wants you to know it. She may be comfortable and at ease while purring, and she might be dozing slightly at the same time too. Purring is a soft, vibrating noise that is almost exclusive to cats who are comfortable and happy, although it can sometimes be seen in cats who are in pain and are trying to comfort themselves, too.

Most Common Reason for Cat Chattering

Cats may chatter for a few reasons, but the most common reason by far is the predatory instinct.

Read on to learn more about the reason why this is a common cause for cat chattering.

Chattering as a Predator

If you’ve ever seen your cat sitting at the window, looking at something outside and chattering to herself about it, this is because she wants to be able to hunt the prey she spots outdoors. She may be chattering as part of the hunting experience, or she might feel frustrated that she can’t get to the prey and may be “complaining” to herself about it instead.

Some cats may be natural chatterers who make this noise even when playing with their toys indoors. If your cat is staring wide-eyed at a toy and is about to pounce but hasn’t yet, watch for chattering; she might break out this action when you least expect it.

Some cat owners have even reported their cats chattering while play-hunting their human family members or fellow cats in the household, so don’t be surprised if you see this action in your cat as well! You never know when chattering might begin, and some cats seem to develop the habit over time.

Is Cat Chattering a Behavior that Needs to be Prevented?

There’s no reason to worry about your cat if she is chattering, and there really isn’t any reason to try to prevent this behavior, either.

However, if you do want to stop your cat from chattering as often, it’s best not to let her look out the windows. The most common reason why cats chatter is related to the frustration of being unable to hunt prey they see outside or far away, so blocking your cat from access to the windows may cut down on this act.

The important thing to remember is that you really don’t have to do this, and it can be good for your cat to see the world outside the window sometimes—from a distance, of course! Chattering is not a behavior that’s a cause for concern in cats.

Contact The Village Vets for More Information About Cat Chattering

With the help of this information, you should find it easier to better understand this unique behavior in cats. The next time you find yourself wondering what your cat is up to when she’s chattering away at something she sees out the window, you can remember this information and recognize her predatory behavior.

If you have any further questions about your cat’s behavior or her health and wellness, don’t be afraid to contact your veterinarian. At The Village Vets, our team will be happy to clear up any confusion you might have about cat chattering and why your cat may be doing this.