Why do cats chirp and what do they mean by that?

Not only birds chirp. Cats can also make this sound. In fact, a cat’s chirping is one of the ways it communicates with its owners. But why do cats chirp and what is the meaning of this sound?

Chirping: one of the ways cats communicate

Cats don’t talk much to each other. But after thousands of years of domestication, they have come to realize that “talking” is the most powerful way to communicate and convey a cat’s desires to its owner.

Cats and humans have a lot in common, according to a report published by the Veterinary Information Network. “One of the reasons why cats and humans can get along so well is because both species make extensive use of vocal and visual cues to communicate.” Cats and people just understand each other.

What does a cat’s chirp sound like?

A cat’s chirp, also called a chirp or trill, is a short, high-pitched sound similar to the chirping of a songbird.

According to International Cat Care, cat sounds fall into three categories: purring, meowing, and aggressive. Chattering is considered a type of purring along with purring, which the ICC describes as a sound “formed mostly without opening the mouth”.

Why do cats chirp

The ICC notes that the chirp is “commonly…used for greeting, attention-getting, recognition, and approval.” A chirp for a cat is, in fact, a shrill “Hello!”.

Why do cats chirp at the sight of birds? Cat behaviorist Dr. Susanne Schetz notes on her research website Meowsic that cats also chirp when their hunting instinct kicks in while birdwatching. 

Dr. Schetz says that cats use these sounds “when a bird or an insect catches their attention… The cat will focus on the prey and start chirping, chirping and snapping.” Sometimes a furry pet can sound exactly like the bird she looks out the window at.

At the same time, the furry friend is not only concerned about live prey. The cat will chirp and chirp at the toys too. If you watch her play with a feather toy hanging on a string, you will be able to hear her cheerful chatter.

Chatter and body language

When a cat begins to chirp in a friendly manner, its body language reflects a cheerful mood: bright, blinking eyes, vigorous tail waving, ears sticking up and to the sides, and light butting of the head. 

But when a furry friend chirps at an unexpected guest, such as a bird, he can take a wary pose – he will bend down to sneak up. His pupils may also be dilated, his ears are flattened and directed to the sides, and his back is arched.

Interactive co-op play is a great way to watch your cat chirp. As Suzanne Schetz writes, cats are copycats, so put out your best trill and see what happens. 

If the cat does not chirp, do not worry either. She is sure to find her own unique ways to communicate with her beloved master.