Cat chatters when frustrated

jkoch

By Dr. John Koch

Question: My cat loves to sit in front of a window and watch everything that goes on outdoors. Sometimes when she does, her teeth chatter. This has been going on ever since she was a kitten. Physically she seems to be healthy. What causes a cat's teeth to chatter? Does she have a neurological problem?

Answer: As well as can be determined, teeth chattering in cats occurs when they are frustrated. This behavior is usually shown when prey, such as a bird, are close but cannot be reached. A cat confined behind a window is often confronted with just such a situation.

Teeth chattering may also be seen when cats are unable to catch elusive objects such as soap bubbles or sun rays. I am aware of one cat that demonstrates this behavior after time spent chasing a laser light. One of the most interesting aspects of pet ownership is observing their personalities and behavioral traits. Because we cannot talk with them, it is difficult to know exactly why they do some of the things they do. However, frustration seems to be the logical explanation for the phenomena you describe. A neurological problem is unlikely.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau veterinarian.