Why Do Cats Chatter? Do they talk to each humans?

Over the years, it is believed that cats were first domesticated in Egypt - later mummified. Cats belong to the family - Felidae. With an average life span of 16 years, they have a well-developed sense of smell and have quick reflexes, acting on olfactory sense.

The domesticated cats seem to be more effective at night, being able to stalk their prey and pounce upon them with sharp claws and teeth. Sure enough, cats can be mischievous at times; it is fascinating how they engross themselves in a small ball of yarn. These little fluffy creatures by no question are a popular choice for pets - they are independent and loyal, making a lifelong companion.

Why do cats chatter?

Cats can make a variety of sounds. Random as they may sound, each sound holds its significance. Amongst them, chattering is one unique sound that has garnered the attention of animal behaviorists and scientists. Here are some of the reasons why your feline pet chatters.

Frustration

Different people have brought forward various reasons regarding a cat chattering. One of the main focused reason is frustration. Your cat will chatter when it is frustrated or does not get what it wants. You may often hear your little kitty chattering at birds. But the question is, 'why do cats chatter at birds?' If your cat spots a bird outside that she cannot reach, she will start chattering. Chattering at birds stems from mere irritation as your cat is not able to reach the bird to get what it wants.

Predator Instinct

According to some behaviorists, cat chattering behavior comes from the predator’s instinct, which roots deeply in the Felidae bloodline. Your cat will often mimic the sound of her prey outside the window. Research finds that when your cat chatters at her prey outside, such as a bird, it may be trying to fool its victim to get closer to it without alarming them. Pretty clever, right?

Reflex Motion

Reflex motion can also be considered as a reason for a chattering cat. Animal behaviorists have associated a cat’s chattering with hunting. A fieldwork in the Amazon forest of Brazil noted that the wild cats were able to mimic the call of the monkeys, thereby, almost fooling the primates. Similarly, your pet cat will also chatter, as part of her hunting strategy.

Why Do Cats Meow at You?

Cats hold a very special place in society, as one of the most cherished companions. They have been used extensively as research subjects for neurological studies, vision, hearing, and immunodeficiency diseases. They are highly intelligent animals, so confining them to a place suffocates them, and they suffer from boredom, aggression, fearfulness, and so on. Try to analyze your cat's behavior when she meows at you. She may be trying to tell you a lot of things.

The primary reason why do cats meow at you is to communicate with you. Your cat cannot talk and express what is on her mind, verbally. So meowing at you is her only option.

Another reason why do cats meow at you is to receive attention. Your cat will meow sweetly at you when she wants either your attention or food. But when she is annoyed with you, her meows will sound more nasty and unpleasant.

Cats and Chattering

Why do cats teeth chatter? Chattering may seem like a meaningless sound to human ears. We know our teeth chatter when we are cold, but for an animal, it means a whole different. When your cat chatters, her body is slightly crouched with a tensed look as though it is focusing on prey. She will bear a slightly opened mouth forming a sort of vibration to produce a wavering cry.

The chattering phenomenon occurs in both wild and domestic pets. But a cat may most possibly chatter when a bird is around. So why do cats chatter at birds? The chattering usually begins with chirping bird sounds near your sleeping or waking cat. Your cat's attention will be roused suddenly and becomes fixed to the bird. After a few minutes, it will start to chatter in sync with the bird’s beak.

Another probable reason for this could be as a response to its rush of adrenaline. Genetically, cats have the same instincts as their wild cousins. There are still a lot of cat behaviors human minds have failed to understand. Feral cats spend a lot of time in trees hunting birds, insects, and other small prey such as monkeys. It is astounding to find your cute little pet imitating wild cats. This is another technique of cats, along with their patience, quietness, and stalking techniques. Even though your pet kitty does not depend on hunting for her meal, her basic instincts are just as strong as a wild cat's.  

Understanding Cat Chattering Behavior

Very little is known about a typical pet cat's behavior. The ideal environment for cats is home, and some kept exclusively indoors. Cat owners, veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and scientists focus on its behavioral problems of stress rather than on the psychological health and its interactions with inter and intraspecies. There are other behaviors of cats, such as scratching, aggression, crying, etc. There are different explanations regarding their behaviors. Although cats seem hard to read, there are lots of signs that give them away.

There runs a rumor that your cat will chatter when she is excited because she cannot express her excitement in other forms. There is another possibility that chattering is a way of communication that mother cats would use to call her kittens. Kittens do understand their mother’s chatter at a very young age. This specific trait is to let her young ones follow her call and keep them from straying away. This should, however, not be misunderstood as a mode of communication as it more of an instinct.

Here's a cute video of some cats chattering and meowing at ya! 

A sleeping chattering cat? That sounds cute. Sleeping cats chatter as a sign that they are dreaming. And if you are surprised - yes! Your little pet does dream. Don't be alarmed when you see your cat while she is chattering. A chattering cat can take on a weird look, their whiskers folding back. The sight is so shocking that many cat owners suspect seizures, strokes, or neurological issues. But it is only a typical vocalization response, a form of high anticipation and imitation.

Whatever the case may be, this chattering sound or behavior does not mean that your cat is sick. If at all the chattering comes with a heavy flow of saliva, then it is highly advisable to take your pet to a veterinary checkup.

Isn't it fascinating to watch your cat do this? Apart from its habits, chattering is one trait uncommon to most man so, the next time your cat chatters, have a close watch and listen to the sound with amazement. Don't worry about your little buddy; she will be just fine. It is perfectly normal as they have been performing this for centuries.