AboutJessica Expertise I have bred Siamese cats and have years of experience caring for homeless, feral, orphaned, and terminally ill cats. I am knowledgeable in cat behavior, health, history, troubleshooting, breeds, coat patterns and colors, and trivia.
Experience I have extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to at-home medical care to rescuing homeless cats and placing them in homes. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning. I have given supportive care to cats suffering from diabetes, terminal cancer, feline leukemia, feline infectious peritonits, and kidney, liver, and heart failure. I have been through chemotherapy with two of my cats who had lymphoma and have also been through many cutting edge surgeries with my special needs cats.
Question I have a 9 month old Tabby named Barney. He doesn't "say" too much, but every now and then he'll make a noise that sounds like a cross between a meow and a chirp. He does it with his mouth closed. Can you tell me what it means when he does this? Thanks!
Justin
Answer I love that little chirp! Generally, this is a sound that is reserved for cats to communicate with each other. Kittens chirp to gain the attention of their mother for nursing or grooming. A lot of kittens will also use it to call for their litter mates. Mothers also use it to call for their kittens when out of sight, to get them to come eat, use the litter box, etc. It tends to be a learned behavior. Mothers who chirp a lot usually have kittens who chirp a lot. Cats may use this sound to communicate to their owners that they're feeling excited (like during play) or affectionate.
