why do cats "clatter" or "chatter"?

Question

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTPrwWPeHOU&feature=related

not my cats.

but why do they do that? my cat does that when she sees a little sparrow outside.

Answer 1

"Generally, this is a sound that is reserved for cats to communicate with each other. Kittens chirp to gain the attention of their mother for nursing or grooming. A lot of kittens will also use it to call for their litter mates. Mothers also use it to call for their kittens when out of sight, to get them to come eat, use the litter box, etc. It tends to be a learned behavior. Mothers who chirp a lot usually have kittens who chirp a lot. Cats may use this sound to communicate to their owners that they're feeling excited (like during play) or affectionate."
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Cats-1606/Cat-Chirping.htm

Answer 2

The chattering jaw is a prey response that a cat makes when it gets really excited about something it perceives as prey nearby. It's probably similar to the adrenaline response people get when they're really hyped up before an athletic event or a performance of some sort. Where you would get jittery goosebumps or not be able to stand still, your cat has a chattery jaw in the moments before it decides to spring.

Answer 3

my cat does that too, i think its because she is so excited by her little cat thoughts of being all big and bad. its really cute. she never gos outside though. i found a good little chirping cat toy at wal mart and she loves it.

Answer 4

I call that "cat cussing". That's because they usually do it when they see something they want but can't get. That sound is a result of their frustration.

Answer 5

they get happy and are thinking iv got them to eat so starts making noise before