- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Cats are usually quieter than dogs, but did you know they can make up to 21 different sounds? One of these sounds is called a chirp.
“[Cat chirps are] high-pitched sounds and very short and quick,” explains Joey Lusvardi, a certified cat behavior consultant and founder of Class Act Cats. He says sometimes cats will chirp a few times in a row.
Your cat might chirp for different reasons, but it’s most common when they’re hunting or playing. Keep reading to learn more about this cute sound and what it means!
7 Reasons Cats Chirp
Ever wonder why your cat walks around chirping like a bird? These seven reasons can help provide some clues.
1. Excitement/happiness
When you come home after a long day, your cat might greet you since they’ve missed you. Lusvardi says chirps are like a quick hello.
“It’s a way of letting [parents] know they’re happy to see them,” he adds.
2. Natural instincts
Cats often chirp when they spot potential prey, like birds or small animals, from a distance, says Cristy Brusoe, a car behaviorist at Cat Training by Cristy.
She explains that this instinct comes from their wild hunting behavior and can mean they’re excited or frustrated.
3. Frustration
Even though chirping sounds friendly, it can also be a sign of frustration—especially if your cat sees prey they can’t reach.
Lusvardi says cats might engage in displacement behavior, like chirping, to release stress and annoyance.
4. Communication
Cats don’t just meow or purr to communicate. Chirping is another way they express themselves.
Brusoe says they might chirp to get the attention of other cats or their human family. It’s their way of saying, “Look at that!” or “Let’s chase it!”
5. Mimic prey
Lusvardi explains that when cats are hunting, they might chirp to “trick” birds into thinking they’re harmless.
Though birds are often the main target, cats can use this trick with other types of prey too.
6. During play
Brusoe says chirping is common during playtime, especially when cats are super excited.
Games that mimic hunting, like wand toys and laser pointers, are more likely to make kitties chirp.
7. Get attention
If your cat feels ignored, they might chirp to grab your attention.
“They may chirp to say, ‘Look at that!’ or ‘Come and play with me!’” Brusoe explains.
What Do Cat Chirps Mean?
Cats chirp for different reasons, and they do it with both humans and other animals. It can be tricky to figure out why, but we’re here to help!
Lusvardi says the best way to know why your cat is chirping is to look at what’s happening around them. “Cat sounds and body language can mean different things in different situations,” he explains. So, pay attention to these questions:
- What’s going on around my cat?
- What was my cat doing before they started chirping?
- What does their body language look like?
- Did they do anything special after chirping?
Are Chirping & Chattering the Same Sound?
We may not speak “cat,” so it can be tricky to tell their sounds apart! While chirping and chattering might sound similar, they’re actually different. Brusoe says the differences are:
| Chirping | Chattering |
| Sound: Softer, staccato noise | Sound: Teeth clicking together quickly |
| Meaning: Shows excitement or invites interaction | Meaning: Signals frustration or intense focus |
| Mood: Playful and friendly | Mood: Serious and concentrated |
| Common situation: Happier moments, like greeting or playful hunting | Common situation: When spotting potential prey, like birds outside the window |
Pro tip: If your cat is chattering, they’re focused, not cold! No need to turn up the heat.
Do All Cats Chirp?
Although it’s common, not all cats chirp, so don’t worry if your kitty doesn’t make this sound. Lusvardi says chatty cats are more likely to chirp, but even talkative ones might not chirp at all.
Chirping can be more common in kittens since they often chirp while playing. Older cats might chirp less as they age.
Should You Worry About Cat Chirping?
Chirping is usually a happy sound, but sometimes it can mean they’re unhappy. If your cat chirps out of frustration, Lusvardi says it’s good to give them an outlet, like playtime.
“If your cat is frustrated, that could lead to a variety of unwanted behaviors, such as redirected aggression or destructive behavior,” he explains. To reduce unwanted behaviors, play with your cat regularly and don’t pet them in they’re in “hunt” mode.
Lastly, pay attention to any changes in your cat’s chirping. If their chirps sound different or happen more often, he says it’s a good idea to check in with your vet.
How to Respond to Cat Chirping
It might feel silly, but try chirping back when your cat does! Brusoe says many cats enjoy it when their humans try to “talk” in their language.
Copying your kitty’s sounds, like chirps, can help you bond with them. “While it may not sound exactly like them, they’ll likely appreciate the attempt and feel a closer connection to you,” she adds.
Cats use different sounds—like hisses, trills, meows, and growls—along with body language to tell us what they’re thinking or needing. Learning these sounds can help you understand your cat better and make them love you even more!
