What does this noise mean?

[RenM]

So, brief rundown. Sparrow is blind. I adopted him in late August. He was a stray before this living outside my neighbor’s house.

He has never been very vocal. He purrs when I pet him and he’s into it. About a month ago he started doing this thing where if he left my main floor when he came back he’d make the noise you hear in the video. I would talk to him and he’d go to his lounger and do his thing.

The past couple days he’s been making this noise a lot more. This morning he just kept walking around and making it while I played with him. Is this a thing I should be worried about or is it normal and he’s just coming more out of his shell?

Video:
View media item 423096

 

[rubysmama]

Oh, what a sweetie.

I couldn't really hear the sound you referred to, but possibly it's the chattering mentioned in this TCS article: Cat Sounds - Feline Vocal Communication when looking at prey, which would be interesting, as he can't actually see the prey.

He's a beauty. Thanks so much for adopting a blind cat.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. I would guess he is just calling out to you to find out where you are. It's a cute little squeak! And, it could very well be related to him coming out of his shell - as I am guessing he is venturing through your house now more than he did early on? When you say he is making the noise more now, is he also wandering about more now? If he is eating/drinking/using his litter box fine, I would not be too worried.

 

[Pjg8r]

I couldn’t hear the video, but I also have a blind kitten. I wonder if yours is making a sound to get the echo back to judge locations. Mine moves her head back and forth like sonar to locate objects and toys.

 

[susanm9006]

Sort of variation of whining I would say, done to get your attention. Good that he perked up with the play. The reason he is doing it more is that he has learned it works! He calls, you let him know where you are and all feels okay in his world.

 

[Caspers Human]

I wonder if yours is making a sound to get the echo back to judge locations.

I was about to say the same thing.

I think it's his own version of echolocation.

Smart cat!

 

[Maria Bayote]

It seems like a bark-like sound to me.
Maybe your cat is excited on something?

 

[RenM]

Hi all. Thank you for all the thoughts! He has stopped making the noise while walking, but he still makes the noise when he leaves and comes back to the room I'm in. I definitely think those are a "are you still here/where are you noise?" since he stops when I tell him I'm still here. I guess my grumpy boy likes me lol.

 

[Jemima Lucca]

That is absolutely adorable! He’s calling you! How great is that, that he knows how to get your attention? That’s his way of finding you. Almost like “mom, mo-om, mom? Sooo cute!

 

[Maria Bayote]

Hi all. Thank you for all the thoughts! He has stopped making the noise while walking, but he still makes the noise when he leaves and comes back to the room I'm in. I definitely think those are a "are you still here/where are you noise?" since he stops when I tell him I'm still here. I guess my grumpy boy likes me lol.

You're most probably right. That sound is probably your name in cat language.
Your boy loves you.