Jaw movement/chattering

by Sharon
(Tishomingo, OK)

My cat chatters her jaws just before she is about to try to pounce on or grab the guinea that she enjoys trying to catch. What is the jaw movement called or about? She doesn't make a noise with this movement--just rapid movement of her jaw.


Answer by Kate
Hi well this is known as the vacuum reaction and is part of the cats hunting behaviour, please see my page here about this for more information https://www.our-happy-cat.com/cat-hunting.html

It is quite normal but rather funny to watch I think.

best wishes Kate


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kitten jaw chattering watching birds
by: Ken

My 4 mth burmese goes into rapid jaw chattering whenever he sees birds while his sister just watches with still jaws.

I was worried he had a neurological problem and am relieved. Thanx for the explanation

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