Why Do Cats Chirp? 3 Vet-Reviewed Reasons for This Behavior
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Cats are known for meowing and hissing, but they can also chirp. This is a communication noise that most people are not aware of unless they have experience as cat parents. Chirping, or chirruping, is a normal noise for cats to make, so no alarm is necessary the first time you hear it. A cat chirping sounds like a bird chirping, but it is usually rhythmic in nature. Some people think that a cat chirp sounds like a goat bleep but is much higher pitched. So, why do cats chirp? Here are a few reasons for this interesting behavior.
The 3 Possible Reasons Why Cats Chirp
1. It Can Be a Form of Salutation
Even though most cats act independent, they may get peppy when their human parents arrive home from a long day of work or overnight vacation. They have missed their parents and want to greet them by chirping. Some cats will even chirp at their human parents any time they walk in from another room. They may chirp at other cats they live with when they greet each other after a nap and want to play.
2. It Can Be Due to Excitement
Another reason a cat might chirp is due to excitement. Chasing a plush toy or ball, playing, and even watching other cats play can make a cat want to show their excitement by chirping. Waiting patiently for a treat can excite a cat enough to let out a chirp or two as well. You never know when a cat will surprise you with an exciting chirp.
3. It Can Be Because of Prey Drive
A cat’s prey drive can get them into the mood to chirp. In fact, being in the hunting mood is the biggest reason for a cat to chirp. Many cats will chirp at birds that they spy through a window in their home, making it seem like they are mimicking the birds. However, they are not mimicking; instead, they are plotting a path to hunt the bird down or sometimes expressing frustration if they can’t reach their prey. Some cats also chirp at their toys when using the toys as prey.
Cats tend to look happy and relaxed when chirping due to excitement or when saying "hello". But cats that chirp due to their prey drive are erect, alert, and ready to pounce.
Ways to Get Your Cat to Chirp
If you want to hear your cat chirp, you can try teasing them with a feather on a stick, acting as if the feather is prey. Alternatively, you can try turning an electronic toy rat or bird on and putting it on the floor in the middle of the room. Try using treats to entice your cat to chirp when you get home after being gone for a few hours. Your best bet is to just keep an ear out so you can catch your cat chirping naturally.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know why cats chirp and you have an idea of what cat chirping sounds like, you will be able to recognize this specific type of communication more easily when it occurs. Not all cats chirp, so you may not hear your cat make the noise. However, just because a cat has never chirped before does not mean that they never will. Be patient—it could happen at any time!
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: ANGELA NEWMAN, Unsplash
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
