Why do cats click

Don't worry! This feline chattering behavior is completely normal, but there are several ideas as to what the cause might be. Below are the main thoughts that experts have on why cats chatter at birds. The chattering behavior that some cats exhibit when they see a bird is believed by some to be a deeply-rooted instinct related to the manner in which large and small cats promptly kill their prey.

The faster the prey is killed, the lower the chance that the cat itself will receive an injury during the process. This "killing bite" or "fatal bite" occurs after the cat leaps upon its prey and holds it tight with its powerful front claws. The cat bites the back of the prey's neck and rapidly vibrates its jaw so that its teeth slide between the vertebrae and sever the spinal cord, assuring a swift end to any struggle.

Some people believe that the special noises a cat makes when watching a bird are due to the frustration of not being able to get to the prey. Your cat may be venting her extreme irritation with the fact that she is unable to perform as a hunter when her prey is so very close. It's possible that the chattering noises are strictly due to excitement.

Your cat might feel such delight and eagerness at seeing a feathered friend nearby that she can't help but make some special vocalizations. Scientists have observed cats mimicking the cries of monkeys in the wild. If your cat is elderly, they may howl because they're disoriented, especially if suffering from a cognitive disorder, such as dementia.

Chattering, chittering or twittering are the noises your cat makes when they're sitting in the window watching birds or squirrels. It usually translates to excitement Top 10 tips. Get Your Copy. Body language Does your cat arch their back up to meet your hand when you pet them? Kneading This is sometimes called "making biscuits," because the cat works their paws on a soft surface as if they're kneading bread dough.

The Flehmen response Have you noticed times when your cat—perhaps while sniffing your shoe—lifts their head, opens their mouth slightly, curls back their lips and squints their eyes? A key to your cat's moods Wondering if your cat is happy, meditating or having a bad day? Here's are some tips: Content: Sitting or lying down, eyes half closed, pupils narrowed, tail mostly still, ears forward and purring—a really happy cat will often knead on a soft surface.

Playful: Ears forward, tail up, whiskers forward and pupils somewhat dilated—playing is hunting behavior; your cat may stalk their prey a toy, a housemate or you , then crouch down with their rear end slightly raised. A little wiggle of the butt, then Your cat will grab their prey, bite it, wrestle it the floor and kick it with their hind feet. Irritated or overstimulated: Pupils dilated, ears turned back and tail twitching or waving—your cat may growl or put their teeth on you as a warning to cease and desist.

Intense play can quickly turn into overstimulation in some cats, resulting in biting and scratching. Nervous or anxious: Ears sideways or back, pupils dilated and tail low or tucked between legs—your cat may slink through the house close to the floor, looking for somewhere to hide. They may turn their face to the wall to shut the world out. Frightened or startled: Think Halloween cat—ears back and flat against their head, whiskers back, back arched, fur standing on end and tail erect or low.

They may yowl, growl, hiss and spit. Defensive: Crouched, ears flattened, whiskers back, tail between their legs or wrapped around their body and pupils dilated—they may meow loudly, growl, hiss and spit. Angry, aggressive: Ears back, pupils very constricted and their tail may be up or down with the fur standing on end—an aggressive cat will stare down another cat and growl or yowl until the other cat gives way. Cats don't really want to fight; they prefer standoffs, but this can progress to fighting if one of the cats doesn't back down.

It turns out it is still a mystery! Scientists have yet to find a definitive answer that explains why cats chatter, but here are a few possible theories. Usually, chattering is a reaction to prey. In other words, they might be thinking like any of us humans when we see our food coming in a restaurant!

Another theory behind why cats chatter is that they are frustrated. Imagine being so excited to see your food coming in a restaurant, just to watch your waiter put it down at another table. This idea is behind another popular theory that tries to explain why cats chatter: frustration. Chattering may be a way of expressing their irritation at not being able to hunt that pesky-but-delicious bird.

To your cat, that bird is exciting; it is something to chase around, or a tasty lunch. They may be a humble house cat, but they still have that killer instinct!