What it really means when your cat makes unusual chirping noise

Cats have the reputation of being hard to read, but they can display multiple ways of communicating with their owners, such as tail movements, facial expressions, vocalisations like meows, purrs, and hisses. However, there is one unusual noise your cat makes that pet owners are confused about. 

Cat chirping, also known as trilling, is what cats use to “talk to other cats, to humans, and even to other animals (particularly within their household),” say pet experts Covetrus Great Pet Care. Trilling sounds different from purring, meowing, and hissing. The noise is described as a high-pitched, repetitive sound that comes out in short bursts, but what does it mean? 

According to the pet expert, cats trill when they see “a familiar and well-liked person, cat or other animal. Studies show it is specifically associated with positive and familiar situations.” 

Cat enthusiasts at Sheba went on to explain further, saying that a trill is a sign of how much your cat loves you. Trilling can sometimes also mean excitement or arousal, such as when a cat is playing with a toy or has caught prey.  

Trilling may be a sign that your cat is inciting you to spend quality time together. Pet author Sara Nelms shared: “If you find that your cat persistently trills at you, they may be seeking your undivided attention.” 

Cat owners are reminded that just because a cat doesn’t trill does not mean it is unhappy or doesn’t like their owners. Some cats trill much more than others because they are more social. 

Hormones may also influence this type of vocalisation, as female cats that are trying to find a mate tend to trill frequently. 

Other signs your cat loves you

According to the expert at Sheba, another way your cat shows that they love you is by curling up next to you.”This is especially true when they’re sleeping.

“If they nap on top of you, take this as a significant reflection of your cat’s affection. As well as you being chosen to keep them safe when they’re most vulnerable, they’re saying ‘you belong to me’ by marking you with their scent.” 

Cats generally do not lick humans unless they are their owners, whereas dogs lick anyone for affection and attention. When a cat licks you, this is a sign that they trusts you.

“A lick from your cat often means that you are being claimed as the closest of friends. From an early age, kittens are cleaned by their mother’s tongue and then use their own to groom each other as a sign of affection. It could also be that your skin tastes good, whether that’s the remnants of a meal that you’ve eaten or even your body moisturiser,” reported Sheba. 

The last simple sign is if a cat follows you from room to room. The expert explained: “The reason they follow you around is quite obvious: they simply enjoy being around you and watching what you’re up to. They’ll likely join you in bed, or in the bathroom while you shower too, if given the chance.”