Ever seen your cat ‘talking’ to the birds outside with chattering, chirping or tweeting noises? Find out what cats are saying when they talk to birds

Cats make a variety of different noises. From friendly chirrups as they say hello, to urgent meows as they demand their breakfast. But have you ever heard your cat chattering? 

Not all cats chatter, and it’s nothing to worry about if your cat doesn’t make this curious sound. But some cat owners will have seen their cat chattering their teeth or chirping. Usually when the cat is indoors and can see birds, rodents or other prey species outside through a window or door. It can look like the cat is trying to talk to these other animals. But there are actually a few possible reasons for this behaviour. 

What is cat chattering and chirping?

Also called twittering, cat chattering or chirping is when a cat starts to quickly open and close their mouth. Usually while making stuttering or clicking sounds. This is often also accompanied by high-pitched chirps, tweets or chattering. It can sometimes sound like a bird or rodent. As they make this noise they are also likely to:

• have a crouched body position
• have ears facing forwards
• have wide eyes
• have a focused stare
• be moving their tail from side to side

This behaviour is more commonly seen in indoor cats who don’t have access to wildlife outdoors. But cats with outdoor access sometimes do it too. 

Watch a video of Mia the cat demonstrating chattering or chirping:

Possible reasons why cats chirp and chatter at birds

We don’t know for certain why cats chirp and chatter at birds and other wildlife but there are a few theories. 

• Excitement or frustration. Chattering could be a display of excitement. Or it could be the result of a surge of adrenaline caused by seeing prey they want to catch but can’t get to. When a cat has an actual opportunity to hunt, they will usually be as silent as possible. This is so they do not scare their prey away. But if the prey is out of reach, such as on the other side of a closed window, they may chatter or chirp out of excitement. Or they may be frustrated at not being able to catch the creature. They could also be letting you know they want to get outside and hunt. Especially if making this noise has prompted you to let them outside before. If they are chattering when they already have access to the prey, it may be a sign of excitement at seeing an animal they’re interested in but don’t want to actually hunt
• Copying their prey. As the chirping and tweeting sounds a bit like birds and rodents, the cat could be trying to mimic their prey. This could be a hunting strategy to try and trick the creature into thinking the cat is harmless and one of them. This could allow them to get closer and pounce successfully
• Mimicking the kill. One unlikely theory suggests that the movement of a cat’s jaw when they chatter mimics the bite they would give to the back of their prey’s neck to kill them. The chattering could be an instinctive reaction as they prepare to deliver the ‘death bite’ when they catch their prey
• Warning the animal. If the cat does not want to actually hunt the creature they are chattering at, they could be warning them to stay away instead. Perhaps because they feel threatened by another animal being in their territory. This theory is also unlikely as cats will most likely want to hunt the creature 

What should I do when my cat is chattering or chirping?

Chattering and chirping is a natural behaviour for cats. It's usually nothing to worry about. But if this is a new behaviour for your cat, or if they are chattering a lot more than usual, it’s best to get them checked by a vet. They can check if there is a medical reason for this change. 
If chattering and chirping is normal for your cat, here are some tips to reduce this behaviour and keep your cat happy.  

1. Play with them. If you notice your cat chattering at other animals, try distracting them with a cat toy instead. Give them the chance to stalk, pounce and catch a toy as an outlet for their excitement or frustration. It will also keep the wildlife outside safe from harm. Fishing rod toys are ideal for this. You can move the toy in the way the prey would move. For example, along the ground like a rodent or in the air like a bird. Having regular, short play sessions with your cat every day will help to please their hunting instincts. They should be less likely to chatter and chirp at birds and other animals outside. 
2. Create a barrier. If you’re worried your cat is getting excited or frustrated by other animals outside, try blocking their view. Cover the lower section of any windows or doors they like to look out of. Use an opaque material such as cardboard or a window sticker, so they cannot see the wildlife outside. 

Find more advice on cats and play and how to deter your cat from hunting wildlife.