Cats are very mysterious creatures, and their behaviors are often hard to decipher. They are even believed to have developed a form of meowing specifically used to communicate with humans. While they do vocalize in a variety of ways, their vocalizations toward humans are strikingly different than those used to talk to each other. Experts hypothesize that cats adapted to and learned to meow because humans respond so well to it, allowing them to get what they want—be it attention, food, or something else from their fellow human companions.
Beyond communicating their needs to humans, cats do have inherent vocalization that they use in different circumstances with conspecifics or other cats. One such sound known as "ek ek ek" or chattering, is often expressed when a cat sees a bird, squirrel, or some other type of prey that they are planning to hunt and chase. For our purposes, we will refer to the "ek ek ek" sound as a chatter or chattering. In general, this vocalization is thought to be used to:
- Imitate the sound of prey during hunting
- Express an excited state or frustration
- Bond (such as communications between mother and kitten)
1. Cats Chatter to Hunt
Cats are not so far off from their wild ancestors, yet they have since become semi-domesticated. They are also skilled hunters and have developed layers of communication that mean many different things. Some vocalizations are used for hunting, others for mating, and others for friendly social behaviors and greetings.
Chattering is primarily associated with hunting behavior. For example, when a cat sees a small bird or prey animal, they use the sound "ek ek ek" to mimic their prey and attract it closer to them. After all, chattering and chirping do tend to sound much like a bird or a squirrel. Cats also use chattering to communicate to those around them (including other cats and humans) that they are in hunt mode and have detected something interesting.
2. Cats Chatter Because They Are Excited or Frustrated
Indoor cats have to deal with the frustration of encountering a barrier such as a glass window or window screen which separates them from their prey fixation and keeps them contained within their house or cattery. Therefore, experts think that chattering might indicate frustration or even excitement. Cats are quite intelligent, so if they are unable to physically reach their desired prey, vocalization might be used to express or communicate this state of excitement or agitation with others in their vicinity.
You might notice that when a cat chatters, their eyes are fixated, their body posture changes like they are ready to pounce, and their stance is rigid. This is because they are completely in hunting mode and overtaken by the natural desire to stalk prey. Because you are a close "family" member, your cat might consider this state of heightened awareness worth communicating to. For all they know, you might join in on the hunt.
Next time your cat chirps or chatters, engage with them and see how they respond. Some cats get evermore excited when you chirp or chatter back at them or show interest in their fixation. It might reassure them to act out their instinct or simply communicate to them a soft, "Hey, I see it too." It's a good opportunity to bond.
3. Cats Chatter to Bond
Cats also commonly communicate between mother and kitten. Mom cats teach their kittens how to hunt, and chirping or chattering is a vocalization that is tied to it. Your cat may be engaging with you as either a teacher or a perceived kitten and expressing itself during an episode of shared hunting to reinforce your bond. This is why it's important to acknowledge what your cat is fixated on. It makes them feel seen.
Despite these numerous theories as to what cat chatter means, cats are still very mysterious and little is known about their inner world. Domestic cats do give us hints at their covert behaviors, but as most feline parents know, cats are pretty elusive and secretive about their whereabouts and doings.
Source: Pet Helpful
