Why does my cat chatter his teeth?

When a cat chatters with his teeth, he has spotted tempting prey, such as a bird or mouse, according to PetMD. The response may signal excitement, frustration or both. British zoologist Desmond Morris believes the action is a vacuum behavior.

According to Morris, chattering is an instinctive response that demonstrates the performance of an act the cat is unable to complete. The rapid jaw movements represent the neck bite a cat uses to kill prey in the field. When a cat chatters in the absence of visual motivation and makes no sounds, dental pain may be the cause and a veterinary visit is advised.