Why Do Cats Chirp?

This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you buy something using the links in this post, thanks!

It shouldn’t come as a big surprise to learn that our furry friends are smart enough to communicate in their own way. Sure, they’re not going to start conversing in your language, but when you can understand theirs, it can create a great bond between human and feline. So, why do cats chirp?

One of the most common noises and sounds come in the form of these chirps, but what do they mean? We’re going to take a look at some of the most common reasons why, what this means, and more.

So, Why Does A Cat Make A Chirping Noise?

A chirp is used when a mother feline wants their kitten to follow her. When it is just you and her, it is likely to mean that she wants to be followed. If she takes you to her food bowl, you know what to do!

If you live in a household with more than one cat, it is not uncommon to hear them communicate using chirps and trills.

Do Cats Chirp When Happy?

Although the word chirp makes it sound ‘chirpy’ this doesn’t necessarily mean that a feline is happy or content. The noise associated with this feeling is more likely to be a purring.

Hopefully, you will be aware of more purrs and contentment than other sounds as this generally means she is happy. They may even purr at their food bowl whilst eating, again, because they are content.

A chirp is closer associated with commands so don’t forget to follow your cat when she seems to be chirping at you.
However, a cat may chirp when they are feeling excitable, so it is not out of the ordinary to hear a chirp when they are anticipating a treat.

Do They Chirp At Each Other?

Yes, they do. The most common instances are with mothers and their kittens, Since little kitties are better off close to their mothers, she will chirp at them to let them know they should follow. A wise kitty will comply rather than being left alone, wondering where the mother is in a minute or so.

Adult cats have been found to chirp at one another as well. This will often mean they want the other to follow or a similar command.

Do Cats Chirp At Birds?

When stalking a bird, or watching one out of the window a chirp may become a familiar sound. Cats chirp and birds, mice, or squirrels in the garden. Also, a cat might chirps at the thought of hunting so it can be an excitable sound for some.

You may find your cat stalking the house chirping. This can be when they are looking for their toy, or rather ‘hunting it’.

Even wild cats will make a chirping sound in these circumstances so when they spot an opportunity to hunt, even if unreachable, it can cause them to chirp. Do not be surprised if you hear your cat chirping out of the window, only to find a ‘present’ on the kitchen floor a little later.

Do Cats Chirps When In Heat?

Because they will seek the attention of others, you will often hear your cat calling out when in heat. However, this will usually come in the form of yowling, crying, or even meowing.

It is not so likely that a cat will chirp when in heat, but also not entirely impossible. Anything to get a bit of affection or to tell other cats that they are in heat.

Do They Chirp When In Pain?

Because it is a sound mostly associated with excitable habits, a cat will choose another call when in pain. If your cat is chirping but showing other signs of being in pain then this is a different story.

Should they seem irritable, distressed, or have visible wounds then no matter what sound they make, it is best to take her to a vet.

Why Do Cats Chirp When They Jump?

Because they often make jumps when hunting or about to stalk, a chirp is a sound you will often hear. A lot of the time it will be when they land. So, when jumping from your lap to the floor, don’t be alarmed if a little chirp comes out. The sound can be a gush of air being expressed in noise as they land and is likely to be similar to when we bend down to pick something up, and a sigh or similar noise is almost impossible to disguise.

What Other Noises Do Cats Make?

There are a series of main calls that you will hear from your furry friend. Most of the time, they are purring, often a sign of happiness that warms the heart. Otherwise, expect meows, distress calls, hissing that can sometimes turn to spitting, a howl, snarl, even a growl at times.

Each noise is aimed at getting different reactions and whilst some are to warn another cat, some are because they are content.

Do All Cats Chirrup?

We’ve seen people ask why do black cats chirrup and why do Bengal cats chirrup? There is nothing different about these cats and their behaviors in terms of how they like to chirrup. The individual cat may indeed be more vocal, or quiet than a typical tame feline, but this has nothing to do with breed or color.

The same goes for the gender of a kitty. Neither male nor female cats can be labelled as the typical chirruping type. Any cat that is hunting, or sees a bird outside the window, is likely to vocalise their excitement. There could be a case linking the chirrup sound to that of a bird as mimicking prey, but this is an assumption more than anything else.

All cats express themselves in different ways, and we are all for it. Enjoy the sounds as a way of your cat showing your their personality. Once you are aware of the situations and environment when you hear these noises, you may find certain patterns, and we’d love to hear more about those.