Why are my cat's teeth chattering?

Question

I guess "chattering" isn't exactly the best way to describe it, but this morning I heard this weird clicking noise and I looked over at my cat to find that his teeth were bared, he was moving his mouth and making this weird clicking noise while looking out the window. My Mom's cat does the same thing sometimes. They are both tabbies, but I don't know if that has anything to do with it. Ideas?

Thanks to all who answered. I figured there was nothing "wrong" with him doing it. I just found it kind of cute/funny. I didn't see anything outside when he was doing it, but maybe I wasn't looking hard enough. Anyway, thanks!

Answer 1

Hi there...when cats make the noise you heard it generally means they are so excited about something they are seeing.

Here's a video of a cat making this similar noise:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtX3FLLA55o

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why are my cat's teeth chattering?
I guess "chattering" isn't exactly the best way to describe it, but this morning I heard this weird clicking noise and I looked over at my cat to find that his teeth were bared, he was moving his mouth and making this weird clicking noise while looking out the window. My Mom's cat...

Answer 3

Predatory behavior directed towards a cat's natural prey like birds and mice follows the classical pattern of appetitive and consummatory phases – the hunt and capture followed by actual ingestion. A cat looking at birds through a window may chatter his teeth and gently switch his tail in anticipation. Some may even crouch, ready to pounce. If opportunity permits, they will move toward the prey with lightning speed and attempt to catch the hapless creature between their paws.

Answer 4

This is "hunting talk" and all cats do it when they're stalking something. (Some do it in their sleep-- probably dreaming of hunting.)

There's no need to do anything about it. It's normal. Just enjoy it as another aspect of feline weirdness.

Answer 5

I have 4 cats and only 2 of them do that. In our house we call it meeping. They are stalking prey and this usually occurs while looking out the window at birds. One of my female cats will do that when she is chasing a shadow or the flashlight while it's being shown on the ceiling or walls. It's very cute to watch. Just enjoy...they are doing their natural thing.

Answer 6

My cat used to this when looking at Birds out the window. to me it's like a dogs growl I guess.

Answer 7

My cat does that when he's looking at birds etc out the window. I think he's pretending he's already caught it and it's in his mouth....lol

Answer 8

My cats do that when they see squirrels or birds it has nothing to do with the breed, most cats I know do it. It's almost like it's trying to talk/meow/all at the same time huh?

Answer 9

lmao ... my cat does that too!! I think it has something to do with how excited they are. My cat usually does that when he's looking out the window, and sees a bird ... or when we play with him using a laser. Have a look at this link (scroll down once on the page, its called "bird cat" ... too funny!! :)

http://uk.entertainment.yahoo.com/office-attachments/animals.html

BTW: All cats don't do this ... I've owned cats all my life, and Tommy (my Manx) is the first cat I've seen do this.

Answer 10

My cats used to do that when they were stalking something like a fly and were going to pounce. I'm not sure if it's the same thing.