Have you ever watched your cat stand at the window, wide-eyed, tail flicking, and making that rapid staccato “chatter” sound? It’s one of the quirkiest behaviours our feline companions display. In this ‘How does….’ episode, I explore what that chatter likely means, why it happens, and what it tells us about a cat’s hunting instinct and sensory experience.
What is the “Chatter”?
When a cat sees something prey-like (often a bird or squirrel), and can’t immediately get to the prey, they sometimes make that quick open-mouth “chatter” or “chattering” sound. It is thought this behaviour is associated with the cat’s predatory sequence – that is, the set of behaviours geared toward catching prey.
Key features of the chatter:
- Loose open mouth with rapid clicking or chattering teeth
- The movement of the jaw without fully vocalising like a meow
- Often combined with intense visual focus, tail-flicking, pouncing preparation
- Happens most when the prey is visible but unreachable (for example through glass or from a window ledge)
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