If bird-watching is your cat’s idea of a good time, it’s possible you’ve heard him chirping. Tail swishing, eyes wide and trained on his potential prey, a series of strangely adorable sounds emits from your furry companion. Chirping, also known as chattering, sounds nothing like your cat’s usual meow. But don’t be alarmed if you’ve never heard your cat chirp before.

While some frisky felines are chatterboxes, others are silent and stealthy. So, what’s the cause of this unusual sound? Why do cats chirp? And more importantly, what do these unusual noises mean?

Why do cats chirp?

As with many cat behaviors, we’re still trying to understand precisely why cats chirp. However, cats seem to chirp out of excitement.

You can understand this if you watch your cat’s body language when he’s chirping. Chances are, his eyes are wide and focused on something, and he may have stretched his head out, trying to get a better view of what’s going on. You might notice that your cat flicks his tail, crouches down, and tenses his body. There’s an intense focus behind this behavior.

If your cat chirps when he sees you, he may be greeting you or trying to get your attention. You’ll probably notice those same signs of eagerness and focus, but your cat might be slightly more relaxed, walking around or even rubbing against your legs. He may be chirping to say hi or hoping to get you to feed him or play with him.

How to recognize when your cat is chirping

When cats chirp, it almost sounds like they’re mimicking a bird. They often make a short series of peeps or trills, and the sound seems to come from the back of their throat. Some cats chirp while barely opening their mouth, while others develop more of an open-mouthed chatter.

Whatever your cat’s style, his chirping is probably a series of sounds directed at something — a bird, a toy, or even you. Chirping is a quieter noise, like an under-the-breath sound, but it’s so unusual that it’s likely to catch your attention when you hear it.

How to react when your cat is chirping

When your cat is chirping at you, the best thing you can do is figure out what he wants. He might want you to pat him or pay attention to him, and he’ll probably reward you by purring and walking around you in circles. Some cats may chirp because they’re hungry and are prompting you to get out the cat food. Try reacting in a number of ways and see if what you do satisfies your cat.

If your cat is chirping at birds frequently, he may be excited by their presence and frustrated that he can’t get outdoors to hunt them. Some cats will go as far as to stalk their prey and attempt to pounce on them through the window.

Not being able to satisfy his natural hunting instinct can be frustrating for an indoor-only cat, so consider finding ways to help your cat “hunt” inside. Toys that squeak and have different textures and movements can help pique your cat’s interest. Playing with toys on a string can give your cat a good workout, helping to keep him healthy and entertained. Even getting a second cat can encourage your cat to stay active, providing him with a playmate.

Are cats stressed when they chirp?

Define stressed. Sometimes, cats chirp when they see prey, like birds or squirrels, but are unable to attempt to pounce. In these situations, a cat is excited to see the small animal but frustrated that they cannot tap into their natural hunting instincts. Cats are natural predators. While we’ve taken the kitties out of the wild and domesticated them, the wild hasn’t completely left the kitties.

Though the cat may be a tad frustrated and disappointed, pet parents should still keep their feline friends inside. Doing so keeps the cat safe from predators and cars. Cats living indoors usually have longer life spans.

Final thoughts on cats chirping

If your cat is chirping, it isn’t a bad thing. He’s communicating, whether that’s with you or with the birds outside the window. Cats use noises to convey all sorts of different things, and in most cases, a cat who is chirping is excited or trying to get your attention.

If you’re attempting to understand why your cat chirps, spend some time watching him and pay attention to his body language. The more carefully you observe your cat, the more you’ll learn about his behavior. You might find that your cat is chirping because he wants something specific, and by playing with him, interacting with him, or even feeding him, you’ll be giving him just what he wants.

Overdrive was only a 2-month-old kitten when he hid inside the engine compartment of a car parked at a rest stop in Arizona. The unsuspecting tourists who owned the car were alarmed when 200 miles later, they stopped at a restaurant in Utah and heard desperate meows coming from under the hood of their car. The tiny buff-colored tabby was successfully rescued and taken to the nearby Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Although traumatized by the experience, he miraculously didn’t sustain any injuries. He’s just one of numerous cats in car engines that have survived.

Every year, there are stories of cats getting trapped in vehicle engine compartments. Once a car engine starts, things can quickly take a turn for the worse for a cat hiding under the hood, say veterinary experts at the Chastain Veterinary Medical Group in Texas. The sudden vibration and roar of the car’s engine can cause a stowaway cat to jump or fall into the fan or fan belt and pulleys. The results are often disastrous for the cat, causing trauma, lacerations, and on occasion, death.

A March 2021 Wigan Today article reported that a cat became stuck in an engine’s camshaft when the car was turned on. Firefighters had to cut the cat from the engine, and he lost his tail and a leg. People magazine recounted the story of  Cindy Lou, a 2-year-old Maine Coon who climbed inside the engine compartment of a car in December 2020. She was wedged between two hot metal plates near the fan belts, and part of her fused skin had to be removed to rescue her.  

Why do cats hide in car engines?

According to experts at Embrace Pet Insurance, cats and kittens, especially strays, will seek out shelter in colder months and are frequently attracted to the warmth of engines in recently driven cars. When cars are left on streets, driveways, or even easily accessible garages, cats will often sit between the engine and the hood, which provides relief from harsh weather or protection from predators. Animal behaviorists say cats are also attracted to a vehicle’s engine bay because it offers a dark, quiet place to nap.

You would think that if a cat could climb inside the engine compartment of a car, he would also be able to find his way out. However, when frightened or startled, cats may squeeze into even tighter spaces and end up trapped. If you discover a cat in this situation, call the local police or fire department for help. It’s not unusual for a mechanic to be called in to assist in freeing trapped cats from under car hoods.

How can I prevent my cat from climbing into a car engine?

The best way to keep your cat from climbing into a car engine is to prevent him from roaming free. Experts at the Humane Society of the United States say indoor cats live longer and tend to be healthier. In addition, keeping your pet as an inside kitty prevents predators, injuries, parasites, and communicable diseases from the great outdoors. If you live with a cat who’s always asking to go out, access to a patio or a walk around the neighborhood in a harness and leash can give him a safe way to hang outside.

If your cat is allowed out, here are tips to keep him away from your car’s engine:

• Whenever possible, park your car inside an enclosed garage.
• Place a high-quality car cover over your vehicle to help keep your cat from getting to the engine compartment.
• Sprinkle cayenne pepper on the ground around your car. It may take a few days, but cayenne pepper has worked to keep cats away from cars.
• Try a commercial spray such as Nature’s Mace Cat Repellent. Like cayenne pepper, this deterrent can be sprayed around the car to keep cats away.
• Use a motion sensor alarm such as the Tattle Tale Sonic Pet Training Vibration Alarm to discourage your cat from going under the hood of your car.

Keep in mind that while you can take steps to deter your cat from climbing into the engine compartment of your car, he can still hide under the hood of a vehicle in the neighborhood. That’s what happened to Simon, a big orange tabby featured in a KCRA 3 story. He went for a 13-mile ride before the driver realized there was a cat stuck in the engine block. Luckily, Simon wasn’t injured, and thanks to his microchip, was safely reunited with his family.

How do I know if my cat is in my car engine?

Overall, you’ll probably have the best luck by implementing preventative measures and then trying to scare off any especially clever cats who make it into the engine, anyway. If you find a repeat offender every morning, you can also put in other deterrents to the general area. Consider speaking to his owner too and coming up with a join solution. The steps here will only take a few minutes and can save a cat’s life.

It’s tempting to spend some time outside with your cat whenever the weather is nice, and taking your cat outside can give him a nice break from indoor-only life. If you love to spend time on your balcony, it’s natural to consider letting your cat join you, but balconies can be dangerous for cats. In addition to the potential for a fall, balconies have several other risks that you might not be aware of. Understanding how to cat-proof a balcony can help you to make the space safer, so you and your cat can spend a little time outside together.

Will a cat jump off a balcony?

Balconies can be very dangerous for cats because of the possibility of “high-rise syndrome.” Always Compassionate Veterinary Care explains that high-rise syndrome refers to the occurrence of cats falling out of high-rise buildings and needing veterinary treatment. The term originates when the Animal Medical Center in New York City treated more than 100 cats who fell out of high-rise windows. That occurred during just five months in the 1980s and highlights the fact that cats can and do fall out of high structures.

Unfortunately, the same risk affects cats who are on balconies. Cats don’t fear heights, and they do fall off of balconies. Cats might fall when they’re focused on prey, startled, or fall asleep on a railing and roll off. Slippery balcony surfaces are difficult for cats to grip, so cats can fall easily.

While cats’ reflexes help them to turn themselves right-side-up as they fall, cats aren’t always positioned to land well, and if they fall from height, they can injure themselves. Cats can sustain serious injuries in falls from balconies, and some cats won’t survive.

How do I keep my cat from falling off the balcony?

Pet MD recommends that you consider screening in your balcony to help prevent your cat from falling or escaping. A protective screening will need to run from the floor to the ceiling of your balcony, and it will need to be strong enough so that your cat can climb and claw at it without it tearing.

Will my cat be safe on a balcony?

Even if your cat doesn’t fall off of a balcony, the space holds other potential dangers that you need to be aware of. Pet MD highlights that if your cat falls or escapes through the balcony rails, you might have trouble catching him, and he could run away and get lost.

There are other dangers to look for, too. Your cat could be stung by a bee or wasp while outside. If you’re grilling on the balcony, you’ll need to be extra careful to keep your cat a safe distance from the grill. And if you grow plants on the balcony, make sure that none of those plants are toxic to cats.

Why do cats love heights so much?

According to cat behavior experts, cats are inclined to spend their time lounging on balconies because they enjoy having a good vantage point. Cats are instinctively hard-wired to protect themselves from predators, and having the high ground ensures they’re able to sleep peacefully without worrying about being attacked by wildlife.

Additionally, having the height advantage allows them to spot any potential predators before they’re in danger. While this is an intelligent survival mechanism for feral cats, it means our frisky feline friends want to spend time where they probably shouldn’t, like at the top of your Christmas tree.

Can I trust my cat not to jump off the balcony?

While you can’t trust your cat not to jump off the balcony, your cat can go out on a balcony as long as you’re prepared to safely supervise her. Pet MD recommends that you closely examine your balcony set up before bringing your cat out. Implementing the steps above can help to make your balcony safer, but even with additions like a screened-in enclosure, there’s no guarantee that your cat will be entirely safe.

That’s why supervising your cat is so important. You may want to have your cat on a harness and leash when you bring her out, which can give you a little extra control and can help to prevent your cat from escaping if she’s startled or feels tempted to chase any animals he might see.

Balconies aren’t the safest areas for pets, but if you want your cat to be able to join some outdoor time, consider investing in a catio. A catio is designed to keep cats safely contained and to protect them from predators, comes in many different sizes. You can buy a catio that mounts right onto your window, letting your cat freely go outside and come back into your home, or you can buy or build a catio that stands independently in your backyard. Whether you choose to supervise your cat on the balcony or invest in a catio, giving your cat some safe outdoor time can help to prevent boredom and give your kitty a literal breath of fresh air.

There are plenty of big and fluffy cats out there, but one of the best-known breeds fitting this description is the Maine Coon. These cats are not only impressive in size, but they also tend to have fantastic personalities that make them beloved family pets. While purebred Maine Coons are a little more uncommon in rescues and shelters, it’s possible to adopt a Maine Coon mix that still has some of the breed’s distinctive characteristics.

While telling exactly which breeds your cat is can be a little tricky, it’s worth doing some investigative work to better understand your feline’s background and what that might mean for the care he needs during his life.

Where do Maine Coon cats come from?

You may have heard that the Maine Coon Cate originated from a fantastical cross between a feline and a raccoon. Of course, this didn’t really happen, but it could be where they get the name. (Another option, from a ship’s captain who brought the first of these kitties ashore.)

Instead, the cats might hail from Norway, or broader Northwest Europe, as they closely resemble the Norwegian Forest Cat in size and fur. Regardless, this breed has lived in America for at least 150 years and has enjoyed popularity in the colder climates where it puts the fuzzy coat to good use.

What does a mixed Maine Coon cat look like?

Speaking of the Coon cat’s lustrous mane, this feature commonly attracts owners (and could explain their winning streak in cat shows in the 1800s). You’ll find long hair common in many mixes though it certainly varies depending on the parentage and the individual cat. On top of the fur, Maine Coon mixes sport gorgeous fluffy tails and a poofy scruff (sometimes likened to a Shakespearean collar).

Color-wise, there’s a wide range in purebreds and you could throw in another variable when you have mixed ancestry. That means you have a number of options if you determine that one of these cat mutts will suit you and your family.

How big do Maine Coon mix cats get?

According to Vet Street, Maine Coons are some large cats. They can weigh between nine and 18 pounds, though the occasional Maine Coon can grow to be much larger. Additionally, these pretty kitties stand at up to 16 inches tall and 40 inches in length. You would generally spot the Maine Coon right away in a group of other cats.

While these cats are large, your Maine Coon mix’s size will partially depend on the breed of cat that he’s been crossed with.

What is a Maine Coon usually mixed with?

Siamese-Maine Coon Mix, and the Ragdoll-Maine Coon Mix. People frequently go for one of these mixes because the animals turn out healthy, affectionate, and extremely attractive. Always research your breeder if you go that route to ensure they’re following best practices or adopt from a shelter.

How can I tell if my cat is a Maine Coon mix?

According to Schertz Animal Hospital, the only way to tell if your cat is part Maine Coon is to have your cat genetically tested. Genetic tests for cats use saliva or blood to provide an estimate of your cat’s breed. You can order the test and have a kit shipped to you, or our veterinarian might have tests at their office and could perform the testing for you. It typically takes about six to eight weeks before you’ll receive your results, so you’ll need to be patient.

Your vet might also be able to help you identify common Maine Coon characteristics in your cat. You can look for features like a long coat that sheds often, a large size up to 16 inches tall, and a highly social nature. While these features can’t confirm that your cat is a Maine Coon mix, they can help to narrow down some options and might suggest that it’s worth having some genetic testing done to confirm your suspicions.

If you adopted your cat from a shelter[/internal-link], read the documents that you received during the adoption process. Some shelters that take in litters may know what the mother’s breed was, and if the mother was a Maine Coon, that will confirm your suspicions. Other times, shelters have very limited information on a cat’s background, so you may or may not be able to confirm your cat’s breed through that paperwork.

Why it matters if you have a Maine Coon mix

Knowing that your cat is a Maine Coon mix can be helpful because it can help you to better care for your cat. Maine Coons are predisposed to some health issues. According to ASPCA Pet Insurance, Maine Coons can inherit a form of heart disease and a genetic disorder called spinal muscular atrophy. Hip dysplasia can also be a concern.

When you know that your cat is part Maine Coon, you and your vet can monitor and test your cat for these health issues. When you spot the health issues early, you can better manage and treat them, helping to keep your cat healthy.

Maine Coons can be fantastic pets, thanks to their social and gentle nature. If you have a cat who’s a Maine Coon cross, chances are he’ll have some of these same qualities. While you’ll need to genetically test your cat to confirm exactly which breeds he is, this genetic testing can be a good idea. It can provide you with valuable information about your cat’s breeds, and that, in turn, alerts you to any corresponding health issues that you might need to watch for. With this extra information, you can better understand not only some of your cat’s tendencies but also why he behaves the way he does and the specific care he may need to be able to thrive and live a long, happy life.

If your cat throws up after eating grass, there’s probably no reason to be concerned. Eating grass is a natural behavior for most cats, and throwing up after eating that grass also is pretty common. There are physical reasons for why your cat throws up grass, and aside from dealing with the inconvenience of having to clean up cat vomit in the house, this behavior usually isn’t a problem.

But excessive vomiting and unusual grass consumption can be a cause for concern. If your cat likes to munch grass, then it’s best to familiarize yourself with what’s normal and what might be a reason to worry.

Why cats eat grass

Cats eat grass for many reasons:

• Grass can have a natural laxative effect, helping to relieve stomach upset and supporting digestion.
• Grass contains fiber, which can help keep your cat’s digestive system moving and healthy.
• Grass also contains folic acid, and your cat may instinctively eat grass to get a nutritious boost.
• Eating grass can be entertaining for cats, too. Your cat may simply enjoy having something to munch on and might eat grass out of boredom, just like you might munch on potato chips while watching TV.
• In some cases, your cat’s grass eating might be driven by stress. If your cat excessively eats grass, then anxiety could be to blame. In these cases, you might notice that your cat eats grass almost constantly or pairs it with other behaviors like excessive grooming.

Many factors can drive your cat to eat grass, so you’ll need to carefully observe your cat to determine what’s at the root of his behavior.

Why grass makes cats throw up

So why do cats throw up after eating grass? Cats’ digestive systems don’t contain the enzymes to properly digest grass, so vomiting is a natural part of the process. This behavior is an instinct that helped keep wild cats alive. When cats relied on hunting for their food, they would have consumed their prey’s bones and hair, too. Eating grass helped induce vomiting, so cats could throw up those waste elements that they couldn’t digest.

If your cat loves to eat grass and then often throws up after, chances are he just knows that grass can help ease digestive upset and is a natural way to get himself feeling better.

Signs you should be concerned about

Because cats can’t digest grass, there usually isn’t a reason to be concerned if your cat vomits after eating grass. But eating grass can sometimes cause other issues.

• Grass can potentially get stuck in your cat’s nasal chambers at the back of his nose, making for an uncomfortable situation. Your cat may sneeze in fits, and your vet will need to help by removing the grass.
• If your cat eats grass obsessively, it can lead to excessive vomiting and may indicate that your cat is dealing with significant anxiety. It’s best to take your cat to the vet for an evaluation. Your vet may be able to help you get to the root of your cat’s anxiety, so you can get him feeling better.
• There’s also the potential danger of your cat consuming plants that he shouldn’t when he’s outside. Grazing on grass that’s been treated with pesticides could lead to significant digestive upset or toxic effects for your cat. Your cat might also munch on outdoor plants that are toxic, like lilies. If your cat is experiencing toxic effects from something he ingested, get him to the vet immediately for treatment.

Safer alternatives for eating grass

If you want to give your cat a risk-free alternative to grazing in the backyard while providing the stimulation he craves, we recommend cat grass, which is readily available online and in many local pet stores. Other cat-safe alternatives include Alfalfa, fiber-rich oat grass, and cat thyme. Who knew a thyme plant existed for cat consumption? Another alternative is licorice root, though it should be avoided if your cat takes blood-thinning medications.

While eating grass does have benefits for cats, letting your cat eat whatever grass he finds outdoors can be risky. It’s a much better option to buy or grow your own cat grass indoors, so you can feed your cat a pesticide-free product that you know is safe for him. This also lets you better monitor how much grass your cat is consuming. Providing your cat with cat grass can help keep his digestive system healthier, making him more comfortable, too. While vomiting sometimes comes with the process, cleaning up the occasional vomit pile is a small price to pay for your cat’s health and comfort.

All parents know that rearing a family is hard work, and the same holds true for mama cats. Between regularly feeding and bathing her kittens to providing a constant source of warmth and snuggles, mother cats have their work cut out for them when they’re taking care of newborn kittens. However, just because Mama Cat is exhausted from caring for her litter, that doesn’t mean you should separate the kittens from their mom too early. Have you ever wondered, “When can kittens leave their mom safely?”

We’ll share everything you need to know about helping your cat take care of her little ones, from how to avoid kitten care becoming a second job to when kittens are old enough to safely leave their mom.

At what age can kittens leave their mom? 

You may have friends and family members who are champing at the bit with excitement to receive a new kitten from the litter, but taking kittens away from their mother too soon can have lasting ramifications. It’s a common misconception that kittens can be taken away from their mother as soon as they’ve finished weaning — at roughly 8 weeks of age – but kittens should stay with their mom for longer. To avoid future behavioral problems like strained interactions with humans and other animals, kittens should stay with their mom until they’re at least 12 to 14 weeks old.  

What happens if you take a kitten away from its mother? 

Abandoned kittens can thrive if they’re fostered properly, but it’s in their best interest to stay with their mom as long as possible. A mother cat’s milk provides 100% of the nutrients growing kittens need, and mama cats naturally wean their kittens when they’re around 8 weeks old. While kittens no longer rely on their mother for nutrients, taking them away from her too soon can lead to behavioral issues. Here are a few difficulties that may arise if kittens are separated from their mom too soon:

They may grow up to be aggressive

Playtime with mom and their littermates is more than just fun and games. Kittens who are separated from their mother and littermates too early aren’t properly socialized, so they don’t learn how to interact with other cats properly. Without mom there keeping a watchful eye on her roughhousing kittens, they may bite or scratch too hard. 

They may be afraid of other cats and humans

While some kittens become aggressive when they aren’t properly socialized, other kittens may need to be drawn out of their shells. They could grow up to be shy and skittish, which could lead to them being bullied by other cats. Just like human children, young kittens learn how to interact with the world around them from their mothers. You’ll want to make sure you interact with the mother cat – fittingly known as a queen – and her kittens often. By teaching kittens that humans shouldn’t be feared, you’ll better prepare them for their new home. If kittens aren’t held and played with during this formative time, they may avoid human interaction as adults. 

They may eliminate outside the litter box

Kittens learn how to use the litter box by watching their mom use one. If they are taken from her too early, they’ll be less likely to figure out how and where they’re supposed to use the bathroom. You can begin litter-box training your kittens when they’re around 4 weeks old, and they should be able to use a litter box successfully by 8 weeks of age. Make sure to stay calm and positive during litter-box training, as cats respond better to positive reinforcement than punishment. Additionally, punishing a kitten may cause her to become fearful of humans, and she won’t understand why she’s being punished in the first place.  

When do kittens stop nursing?

Weaning a kitten – the process of transitioning her from her mother’s milk to kitten food – usually takes a couple of weeks. A mother cat’s milk naturally begins to dry up when her kittens are around 8 weeks old, though it sometimes takes an additional two weeks for it to dry up completely. By this point, your kittens will be fully weaned from their mother’s milk, so they’ll be able to eat kitten food exclusively. 

What to do if you find stray kittens

Although discovering a litter of stray kittens may sound exciting, experts say you should use caution before you collect the litter and celebrate becoming a kitten parent. Mama Cat most likely hasn’t abandoned her litter. In fact, she’s probably out looking for food. If the kittens are in a safe location, you should look for any signs of danger or neglect before taking action. If the kittens appear malnourished, or they’re in a high-traffic area or vulnerable to predators, ensure you’re equipped to care for them before taking the kittens in. However, if the kittens appear to be in good health, professionals say you should leave them be for 4 to 6 hours, giving the mother cat time to return to her kittens.

Don’t separate mom and kittens too early

Few things in life are more adorable than watching a mother cat play with and cuddle her kittens. You want what’s best for your cat and her babies, so make sure not to separate them too early. Not only are kittens who remain with their mother longer healthier than kittens who are separated too early, but they’re also much less likely to have behavioral problems later in life. 

Cats are unique, but they all have at least one trait in common. Kittens are born with their eyes shut. They start opening them at different times, usually from 2 to 10 days after birth. By 2 weeks old, a kitten’s eyes should be completely open.

When kittens open their eyes, they can start paring visual information with all the sounds, touches, and smells they’ve been experiencing. When you bring your young kitten home at around 8 or 9 weeks, they’ll be ready to explore and stare deep into your eyes. Kittens’ vision will still develop over the next couple of months, as will something else: eye color.

As you gaze back at your kitten, you might notice changes. When do kittens’ eyes change color, and is there ever a cause for concern? Here’s what vets have to say.

How long do kittens have blue eyes? What are the most common eye colors, and when will I see the changes?

Kittens are born with blue eyes, which is apparent when they open them. They may still be blue when you bring them home at 8 weeks old, but chances are they’ve already begun to transform into their adult color. A kitten’s eyes start to change between 3 and 8 weeks old. Common colors you may spot in your kitty’s eyes include:

• Brown
• Yellow
• Orange
• Green
• Amber

By 3 months old, your kitten’s eyes likely will reach their true color, though you may notice changes until their first birthday.

How can you tell what color a kitten’s eyes will be? Is it something only a vet can figure out?

It can be challenging for a typical pet parent to truly predict what color their kitten’s eyes will eventually be—you probably didn’t go to vet school, after all. However, simply looking at them and studying the current color will give you an idea.

The stroma and the epithelium, two layers of the iris, contain the pigmented cells that will ultimately transform your kitten’s eyes into a specific color. If there’s lots of pigment, expect orange or gold eyes. Kittens with less pigment will probably have green eyes, and those without pigment in each layer have blue eyes.

It’s likely not a cause for concern if your kitten always has blue eyes. Some breeds, like Siamese Cats, often keep their beautiful baby blues forever.

You won’t be able to tell what color a kitten’s eyes will be by looking at their biological mother or father because genetics has nothing to do with it. A cat’s fur color usually doesn’t either, but cats with white coats can be a notable exception. Some cats, particularly with white fur, have two different-colored eyes. Known scientifically as heterochromia iridis, it tends to occur when pigment doesn’t reach one eye (and thus keeps it blue) but does make its way to the other. This occurrence isn’t typically a concern either, but your vet can address any potential co-occurring conditions, such as the possibility the cat may have vision or hearing issues.

When should I be concerned about my kitten’s eye color?

It is normal for a kitten’s eyes to be all sorts of colors. It’s entirely possible you and your friend can adopt kittens from the same litter and notice they have different eye colors. Sometimes, though, a change in eye color can be a cause for concern.

Red or pink and swollen eyes are signs of conjunctivitis, an uncomfortable condition often caused by cat flu. It’s best to get this condition treated immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it is to help a kitten get back on the mend.

Once a kitten’s eyes have matured, they should not change colors again. If your adult cat’s eyes change, it’s best to get them checked out to ensure it’s not a sign of another health issue.

Kittens are born with blue eyes, which happens when layers in the iris don’t contain pigment. Some breeds, particularly Siamese cats, may keep their blue eyes into adulthood. More often than not, though, a kitten’s eyes will begin to change color once they’re around 3 weeks old. They usually stabilize around 2 months old, but some kittens don’t develop their permanent eye color until around their first birthday.

How old are kittens with blue eyes?

This answer isn’t straightforward. Brand-new kittens have blue eyes. At some point between 3 and 8 weeks old, most kittens’ eyes will begin changing color. This process is a normal part of development. Many cats have grown into their permanent eye color by 2 to 3 months of age, while others’ eyes will continue to change throughout the first year.

Some cats will maintain their blue eyes throughout their lives. As you can see, kitten — and cat — eye color milestones vary. For this reason, veterinarians don’t use eye color when estimating a feline’s age. Eye color may be a barometer of overall health, though. For example, red and swollen eyes could be a sign of infection.

Common cat eye colors include orange, green, yellow, and amber. Some cats will have two different-colored eyes. Though this occurrence usually isn’t a cause for concern, it’s always a good idea to talk to the vet. Whatever beautiful color your cat’s eyes end up being, be sure to speak with your vet if they change color after fully maturing or if you notice they are red and swollen.

When you share your life with cats, you’ll hear them make all sorts of different noises. Meowing, purring, and even hissing or growling are all sounds that your cat uses to communicate. But there’s another noise that your cat may use and reserve for special occasions and special people. Have you heard your cat trilling? And have you wondered just what this distinct sound means?

The trill is a less common vocalization, but if your cat trills at you, you’re a lucky person. Why do cats trill? This is how to recognize cat trilling — and why it’s such a good sign.

What is cat trilling?

Cats make many sounds to communicate with humans and other cats, and you’ve probably heard many of these noises already. While meows, hisses, purrs, and growls are common and easily recognizable, trilling is a sound that cats tend to make less often. You may or may not have heard it, and it can easily be mistaken for another sound.

Trilling is a little bit meow and a little bit purr. You might describe it as a “brrr.” If your cat could roll their R’s, that’s what a trill would sound like. It’s a high-pitched sound, and your cat will keep their mouth closed when they make it.

Your cat might trill all the time, or you might never hear them make this sound. Both situations are perfectly normal. Some cats are highly vocal and use the trill constantly to communicate. Others are much more reserved and never seem to discover or care to use this vocalization.

When do cats start trilling?

We aren’t completely sure when it started, but some experts believe that cat trilling starts off as a way for mother cats to make her kittens pay attention and follow her where she needs them to go. Not long after, kittens may begin to mimic the same high-pitched sound to gain their mother’s attention. Kittens have the ability to produce sounds from birth, but experts say deliberate purring and trilling begins at around 3 weeks of age, and they become much more vocal as they learn to walk and play.

Why do cats trill?

While humans aren’t yet 100% certain of just why cats trill, they appear to do it for several different reasons.

• A greeting: Your cat may trill in greeting when you or they have just walked into the room.
• To get attention: Similarly, your cat may trill at you to get your attention. If you find your cat trilling when you’re making dinner, watching TV, or working on your laptop, then it’s probably to make you take notice. Chances are, your cat may pair trilling with head butting you or walking circles around you and wrapping their tail around your legs. These can be clear “follow me” or “pay attention to me” signals.
• They want to mate: It’s also possible that cats trill for reproductive reasons. Female cats may trill to catch the attention of a mate. Females may also trill to their kittens to get their attention and encourage them to stay close or follow them.

Why trilling is a good thing

If your cat is trilling at you, then chances are they’re happy to have you around. Trilling can be a sign of affection, and your cat is giving you a special greeting. Trilling isn’t all that common, so if you’re lucky enough to hear your cat make this sound, take it as a compliment. And if your cat trills at you regularly? That’s even better and probably means your cat enjoys your company and is showing you how much they like you.

Trilling is far from the only vocalization you’ll hear your cat make. If your cat is happy, affectionate, or trying to get your attention, you may hear them chirp or meow. Some cats may meow persistently, incorporating the occasional trill as they try to engage you. Purring is often a sign that your cat is content. Your cat might be dozing on your lap and purring, but if you shift or wake them, that purr might turn into a trill to say “hi.”

Cats communicate in many ways. In addition to these vocalizations, you can watch your cat’s body language to get a sense of how they’re feeling. Your cat’s body language can help confirm the messages behind some of their vocalizations, allowing you to better understand what they’re trying to tell you. Consider taking a few minutes each day to research and review common cat body postures and movements. You’ll learn to better read your cat’s facial and overall body expressions. The process will take some time, but if you carefully watch your cat, you’ll be able to understand them and communicate with them more clearly and effectively.