Why does my cat chatter at birds?

Question

Why does my cat chatter at birds?

He is 3 years old, a grey tabby, and he's ALWAYS been an indoor cat. NEVER been outside. Right now, he is sitting on top of the TV, looking out the window and "chattering" at birds. Why does he do that?

Answer 1

Watched my cats do this for years and decided to look it up myself. It looked to me like an imitation of the killing bite. My cats not only do this while watching birds, but they also chatter at falling leaves. It seems that they are both excited and frustrated at the same time.

From the website:
http://cats.about.com/library/guest/ucfeature9b.htm?terms=cats+chatter%20at%20birds

"Making that Chattering Noise While Watching Birds
Most cats make that quite distinctive teeth chattering sort of noise that seems reserved specifically for when they see birds or squirrels, whether outside or on television. Actually, that noise may be more of an instinct than we realize. Many feline behavior specialists have noted the similarity of that noise to the special neck bite that cats use in the wild designed to kill a bird or small rodent quickly and efficiently, before they have a chance to struggle. Young kittens and cubs in the wild have the opportunity to practice this special bite; house cats may just be showing their excitement at seeing potential prey, or possibly their frustration (with the excitement, too) in seeing potential prey that they cannot get to. Many times, you may notice that your cat’s tail is getting puffy, or is twitching in a special way that accompanies his special chattering noises."


spazrats
http://spazrats.tripod.com

Answer 2

Here is the answer I provided for a similar question a while ago... it was easier than typing it all out again..lol

It is instinctive hunting behavior, scientists do not fully know the purpose of these sounds yet but almost all domestic cats make the "chirping" noise that sounds so strange to us. They usually make the sound when they observe small prey animals outside(or inside) like birds, squirrels, chipmunks, mice and even flying insects or spiders they can see on the ceiling or walls. Each cat sounds slightly different but in each case it is a series of short high-pitched, staccato notes, repeated often...usually while the cat is intensely watching/stalking its prey moving about. The sounds generally cease when the animals movements cease because cats see movement better than a immobile object. It has been hypothesized that cats make these sounds to possibly increase their success at hunting/stalking although no definite effect has been observed upon the prey... but it must have value from an evolutionary standpoint or they most likely would not have that trait.

Answer 3

Hi Noel...many cats do this when they become excited beyond belief. Part of this behaviour is considered instinctual for hunting/stalking behaviours noted by scientists. Kelly and Spazrats gave some excellent information regarding this.

Here is a video of a cat who is chattering which almost sounds like barking:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QpcPJjQPrng

Answer 4

The chattering is simulating a cats natural behavior when it kills its prey, it bites down several times quickly.
When a cat is hunting or killing a bird it is silent and only when it has caught the prey they chatter.
Another explanation is that they are frustration and want to get out and kill the animal etc...

Answer 5

almost all cats try this. They try this once they see something (subsequently, a chook) that they opt for, yet can not get to. They get overly excited and "chatter" their teeth, each and every now and then making small noises that sound like a toddler goat.

Answer 6

My theory is that they are trying to mimmick the bird sounds to coax them close enough to catch. I say that because I have had 4 cats now that have done that, 3 of them were inside and outside cats. Everytime they did it, the birds would come a little closer and my cats would never move. Just keep doing it. Then when the bird got close enough, they'd pounce. I have one now that is strictly indoors but it doesn't stop her chatter at the windows. lol

Answer 7

Our cats did this too. I never found out why. It is funnier then heck tho.

Answer 8

your cat likes to talk to animals.

Answer 9

He wants to eat them,there natural instinct wants it bad.

Answer 10

http://www.fleascontrol.com/why-do-cats-chatter.htm