Feline Behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett is the author of a number of award-winning and critically acclaimed books, including Think Like a Cat and Psycho Kitty. The innovative methods described in all her books are based on Pam's unique way of training by actually understanding the way a cat thinks. She makes numerous television appearances including CNN, Fox News Channel, and National Geographic specials, as well as being a popular guest on many nationally syndicated radio programs. She is now considered to be one of the leading experts on feline behavior.

Q: I have a full-grown domestic shorthair named Kirby who is very interested in watching the birds from a sliding glass kitchen door. He makes no effort to sneak up on them as if he were stalking, but watches intently. When a bird gets close enough to the door, he will "talk" to it by making very strange noises at it. His eyes never leave the bird and he cannot be distracted. His lower jaw moves up and down rapidly about half an inch and he makes a soft murmuring "ack-ack-ack-ack-ack" or a slightly higher "chirp-chirp-chirp-chirp-chirp." One might think by the sound that he was actually a bird! He does lower his body to a crouch, but does not do the "butt wiggle" as if he's about to pounce. It's almost as if he's trying to lure them in by making bird noises. What is he trying to do?

A: Just about every cat makes this chattering sound when he's looking at potential prey through the window. A cat makes this sound when he's very excited by the sight of prey but knows he doesn't have access to it. This is his way of relieving his frustration.

His instincts as a predator also lead him to crouch down while watching the prey so he can remain invisible, but he knows there's no need to do the treading with his hind feet (the butt wiggle) because he won't be pouncing on anything.

If you notice your cat chattering at the birds outside, you can get out a fishing pole-type toy and conduct a little impromptu hunting game for him so he can have a capture of his own and be the Mighty Hunter.