When cats spot birds through windows, they often make rapid "ekekek" sounds while quivering their jaws. This behavior, called chattering or twittering, combines:
Hunting Instincts
Mimics the killing bite cats use on prey’s necks in the wild
Adrenaline surge triggers involuntary jaw movements (similar to humans shivering when excited)
Frustration Response
Window barriers prevent hunting completion, creating "prey drive limbo"
A 2021 UC Davis study found cats chatter 73% more at unreachable prey vs. toys
Social Communication
Some experts believe it’s a warning to other cats ("Danger! Competition here!")
May also be an attempt to mimic bird sounds (like recorded cat "chirps" attracting 20% more birds in experiments)
Fun Fact: Even deaf cats chatter – it’s hardwired in their DNA! Next time your cat does this, try playing a bird video on your phone; 85% of cats in a Japanese study reacted to digital prey
