Communication by cats can be categorized into three main types: murmuring, meowing, and aggressive sounds. While meowing and aggressive vocalizations are more familiar, murmuring is a unique form of cat communication that includes purring and chirping. Experts suggest that cat chirps and chitters are often used as greetings or to seek attention, praise, or acknowledgment. This form of communication is characterized by short, high-pitched sounds produced by a soft meow rolled on the tongue. Cats may combine different vocalizations like grunts and chirps to create complex sounds, with chirping serving various purposes.
One common reason for cat chirping is to greet others, whether it be their owners returning home or other animals in their environment. Cats may chirp at each other as a form of communication, especially when hunting or engaging in play that mimics hunting behavior. Chirps can act as alerts to allies about prey without giving away their position. Indoor cats may also chirp at birds through windows, mimicking hunting communication. Cats may chirp out of excitement, such as when anticipating treats or engaging in play that they enjoy. Some cats may learn to chirp for rewards like pets or treats if they realize that humans respond positively to this behavior.
If you feel like your cat has been trained to chirp for rewards and you can’t stand their endless chirping, it’s best to ignore the behavior until the association between chirping and rewards diminishes.
When cats chirp, pay attention to how their bodies change. Chirping usually indicates a positive mood, so a cat’s body language shifts when they vocalize this way. Their eyes become bright, their tail swishes, and their ears may tilt to one side. They might also engage in gentle head-butting. These body cues can offer insights into the meaning behind the chirping.
When a cat chirps while hunting, their body assumes a different posture. Chirping during a hunt signifies alertness. The cat will crouch in a stalking position with an arched back. Dilated pupils and sideways-pointing ears indicate they are attuned to sounds.
While cats are skilled mimics, not all cats chirp. Each cat has a unique personality, temperament, and communication style that suits them best. Chirping is a normal behavior, but if your cat doesn’t chirp at all, it doesn’t mean they are abnormal. It’s just one of the many fascinating ways cats interact with the world.
To learn more about different cat personalities, explore the five types of cat personalities.
For a visual guide on cat chirping and chattering, watch the video by clicking here.
The original text is from “Why Cats Chirp and Chatter” on A-Z Animals.
