Why Do Cats Chirp and Trill? Meaning of the Friendly Greeting

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Few cat sounds are as charming as the trill, a short, rolling coo that sounds like a question or a hello. Cats also chirp, like a bird. These sounds are among the friendliest in a cat's vocabulary. Knowing what they mean helps you to understand your cat and respond.

What is a trill?

A trill, or chirrup, is a brief, rising sound made with the mouth closed or slightly open, rolling like a purr that goes up in pitch. It is typically short, gentle and happy. Chirps are similar, but sharper and more bird-like. Some cats combine them with a meow.

Where it comes from

Mother cats use trills to call their kittens and keep them close, and to signal that it is safe. Kittens trill back. Adult cats retain this friendly signal, using it with other cats they trust, and with their people. Because adult cats rarely meow to each other, much of what we hear in meows is directed at humans. See why do cats meow at night.

What your cat may be saying

• Hello. A cat that trills when you come home is greeting you.
• Follow me. Many cats trill as they lead you to their food bowl, a toy or a favorite place.
• I want attention. A trill may come with head butts and leg rubs.
• I am content. Soft trills while resting or being petted can mean comfort.
• I am excited. Trills may accompany play or a treat.
• Mother-kitten talk. A mother trills to kittens, and a kitten may trill back.

Chirping versus chattering

Chirping or chattering at birds and squirrels is different. The rapid clicking or chattering is thought to reflect excitement, frustration or the instinct to kill. See why do cats chatter at birds. Trills are friendly and directed at you or another cat. Context makes the difference.

Reading body language

Look at the whole cat.

• Tail up, perhaps with a quiver, shows a friendly greeting. See cat tail language.
• Relaxed ears and eyes. See cat ear positions.
• Rubbing against you, or head butting. See why do cats headbutt you.
• Slow blinks. See what does a cat slow blink mean.

Together these signal a happy, relaxed cat. See how to tell if your cat is happy.

How to respond

• Talk softly, or trill back.
• Slow blink.
• Offer a gentle pet if the cat wants it.
• Follow the cat if it is leading you, and see what it wants.
• Reward with attention, so that the cat learns that talking works.

Do not worry about spoiling the cat. A trill is a polite request.

Which cats trill most

Some cats are chatty, such as Siamese, Orientals and Maine Coons, which are known for trills and chirps. Maine Coons are particularly famous. See the Maine Coon and Siamese profiles. Individuals vary, and some cats never trill.

When trilling signals a problem

If a normally quiet cat starts vocalizing a lot, or if the sounds seem distressed, see a vet. Older cats may vocalize more because of hearing loss, thyroid disease or cognitive changes. See hyperthyroidism in cats and caring for a cat with dementia.

Kittens

Kittens trill to their mothers and to people they bond with. Encourage with gentle talk. See kitten growth and development week by week.

Learning your cat's voice

Cats develop unique vocal patterns with their owners. Keep a mental or written list of sounds and what seems to follow. Over time you will learn a dictionary that is specific to your cat. See what do different cat meows mean.

Teaching your cat a conversation

You can encourage a chatty relationship. Respond to your cat's trills with a soft voice, and reward the sound with attention, a treat or a game. Cats learn that a trill works, and may do it more. Over time you will build a shared vocabulary, such as one sound for food and another for a greeting. Record sounds on your phone if you want to compare. If your cat is quiet by nature, do not worry, since some cats prefer body language to sound.

Trilling across a cat's life

Kittens begin to trill within the first weeks, in response to their mother's calls. As they grow, they use the sound with littermates, and later with people. Some cats trill throughout their lives, while others become quieter. A senior cat that trills more may be seeking comfort or reacting to hearing loss, so check with your vet if the change is sudden.

When to see a vet

See a vet if vocal changes are sudden or paired with other signs. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.