If you've noticed your cat making a strange chirping noise as he stares out the window at flies, people, or other cats, no need to worry. It's called cat chattering, and it's just his predatory instinct.
Trilling is often used by adult cats as an expression of affection and happiness. You may find your cat also uses trilling as a way to indicate they want you to pet them. As well as a sign of affection, trilling can also be a way for your cat to attract your attention.
Cats enjoy social contact with people, and some will be quite vocal in their requests for attention. The cat may want to be stroked, played with or simply talked to. Cats who are left alone for long periods of time each day may be more likely to meow for attention.
Why do cats trill? Attention. Trilling is originally used by cat moms to attract kittens' attention and ask them to follow her. Your cat may produce the same sound to make you notice her, and after she has grabbed your attention, she will lead you – just follow and see what's so important. Greeting and excitement.
Trill or Chirrup
It's part of their greeting repertoire, often sounding like a “brrrr,” sometimes with an inflection at the end like a question. Mother cats use it with their kittens, while friendly adult cats may trill upon meeting. You might hear it when you approach your cat, as it's often related to contact.
Chuffing—also called prusten—is the equivalent of a domestic cat's purr. It is a low-intensity sound that a big cat will emit in short, loud bursts. To vocalize a chuff, air is blown through the nostrils while the mouth is closed, producing a breathy snort.
Yes, you read that right: A recent study revealed that getting your pet's attention is as simple as speaking with a high-pitched tone and extended vowels, just like how you'd communicate with a human baby. Additionally, the study suggested that your cat can actually tell you apart from strangers.
It's a Sign Your Cat is Happy
If your cat's trilling sounds friendly and inviting, that's because it probably is! "Cats trill when they are happily greeting one another or their human," Wieber explains.
As well as being a method of communication, staring is also a sign of a close bond between you and your cat, as they are unlikely to hold eye contact with someone they don't like or trust.
Does my cat want to spend time with me? Your cat might follow you into the bathroom simply because they love you and want to be with you all the time. Although independent animals, felines still form close bonds with their humans and your cat even misses you when you're not around.
The head bump. It's their way of saying hello, by using the oil glands in front of their ears to greet you as if you're a cat and leave their scent on you. They see you as one of their clan, so bump them right back.
Blink rate is our key to understanding! Cats that rapidly blink their eyes and bring their eyelids closely shut in a scrunched-up manner are likely to be feeling fearful and may be feeling threatened by your presence.
Meows are generally calls for attention of some sort – either to say, “Watch it”, “What about me?” or “Look at me.” Some cats will have a short, quick meow when they meet eyes with you across the room as if to say, “I see you too.” Some cats meow when they are in pain, which is often a high-pitched guttural meow.
If you've noticed your cat making a strange chirping noise as he stares out the window at flies, people, or other cats, no need to worry. It's called cat chattering, and it's just his predatory instinct.
In the wild, cats are predators, but they are also potential prey for larger animals. When they sleep facing away from you, they are showing that they trust you. They are also showing that they plan to keep an eye on the surrounding environment for both of you.
The strange part of all of this is that cats actually view people as fellow cats. Some researchers believe cats look at us as big, slow, clumsy, uncoordinated cats, but others say they're not quite so judgemental. The good thing is, whether or not they're judging our balance and agility, they still love us!
When a cat interacts with people and the cat is not threatened by the person, she may look at the person and then perform this same “slow blink.” She then may look away or she may not. If this happens, you can interpret this behavior as your cat not feeling threatened by or fearful of you.
Your cat just really loves you. Fixed eye contact and regular slow blinking is a sign of affection in cats. So, look straight back, indulge in some slow blinks and enjoy an affectionate moment with your feline friend.
Kneading to convey comfort — Happy cats appear to knead to show pleasure. Cats often knead while being petted, or when snuggling into a napping spot. Your cat may also knead on your lap to show her love and contentment, and then settle in for a pat or nap. A stressed cat may knead to create a soothing, calm mood.
In most cases, cats will purr when they are in a relaxed environment, sending out waves of calmness. This may also occur when you stroke them, and if this is the case, your feline friend is feeling happy or sociable. However, cats purr to communicate other emotions and needs, too.
Why Do Cats Chirp? ICC notes that chirps are "generally ... used for greeting, attention, acknowledgment and approval." A chirp is basically a high-pitched "Hello!" to their person.
Sorry to break it to you, but human meows mean nothing to cats. At most, you can get your cat's attention and they may even appreciate your attempts to communicate by purring or even meowing back. But to most cats, human meows sound like human language.
In addition to being petted, do cats like to be held? Sometimes. Most cats love to snuggle, and they're typically responsive to being held if you introduce them to it gradually. The best way to approach your cat for a hug is to start with a few soft pets, then carefully pick them up.
Every cat is different. While some cats enjoy being kissed, others will not. Some will feel love, while others will not see kissing as a sign of affection. There are better ways than kissing to show a cat affection that they will understand.