Creature feature

Wildlife researcher Fabio Rohe believes that all cats in the wild may be able to mimic their prey (or at least their sounds).
Wildlife researcher Fabio Rohe believes that all cats in the wild may be able to mimic their prey (or at least their sounds).

My cat likes to sit on a bookcase where he looks out the window. I have a bird feeder hanging outside so I know my cat -- his name is Homer -- watches the birds. Sometimes he starts making funny sounds like chirping and it kind of looks like his teeth are chattering. Why does he do this?

Cats have a repertoire of sounds that include not only the purr, meow, hiss, growl, yowl and caterwaul, but also the chirp and chatter you describe. Each sound has many variances that communicate the cat's state of mind.

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Feline behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett, author of Think Like a Cat and Cat vs. Cat, explains on her website, catbehaviorassociates.com, that experts don't really know why cats chatter and chirp. But she says the best guess is that chattering and chirping indicate a kitty is frustrated because he can't get something he wants. In Homer's case, that would likely be the birds outside your window.

Wildlife researcher Fabio Rohe says he believes that all cats in the wild may be able to mimic the sounds of their prey, according to an article at catster.com. He bases his supposition on wildcat behavior witnessed during a study of monkeys in Brazil. While scientists were watching the monkeys, a wildcat apparently appeared and began copying the primates' cries. The monkeys were almost fooled into thinking the predator was one of their own

A domestic cat, however laid back and sweet-natured it appears, is still a predator that engages in hunting behavior (such as when a cat lies in wait behind a chair and attacks your feet as you walk by). Extending his theory to pet cats, Rohe says chattering at birds could be a cat's attempt to fool his prey into thinking another bird is near while he sneaks in for the kill. Or not. Johnson-Bennett also suggests that chattering is how a cat contains his excitement when he spies a bird beyond his reach. Whatever the reason, the sound is definitely entertaining for a cat's owner.

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Analyzing a cat's temperament based on its appearance is a continual source of interest for feline behaviorists as well as most people who like cats. For instance, animal scientist Temple Grandin says in Animals Make Us Human that black cats are typically friendly and bold while cats with orange-colored fur are more aggressive.

Now comes Arden Moore, author and cat expert, who says a cat's personality can be predicted by the shape of its face, a theory she learned from Kit Jenkins of PetSmart Charities. In Fit Cat: Tips and Tricks to Give Your Cat a Longer, Healthier Life, Moore looks at three types of cat face: round, triangular or square.

Cats such as the Persian and Himalayan breeds have circular heads with round, flat faces. Moore says they're typically low-energy, easily frightened cats that are affectionate with family members.

Think Siamese when considering what might be a triangular-shaped face. This kind of cat also has large ears and a slender, pointed chin. Personality-wise, they are curious, outgoing, talkative and athletic.

The cats with square faces usually have large, solid bodies like the Maine Coon cat, which can grow as large as 25 pounds -- and that's all cat, not fat. These kitties are love bugs that like to snuggle and give head-butts.

When I apply this theory to cats I've known and loved over the years, I find merit in it. See how it works with your feline friends.

Family on 08/26/2015

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