Why do cats meow differently when they see birds?

Cats don't actually meow differently when they see birds. The sound of a cat's meow is primarily determined by their mood and what they want to communicate, not by the specific object they are looking at.

Here's why a cat might meow when seeing a bird:

* Excitement/Alertness: A cat might meow to alert their human to the presence of the bird. This could be a call to action, encouraging their human to chase the bird or perhaps to join them in watching it.

* Frustration: If the cat wants to catch the bird but can't reach it, they might meow out of frustration or disappointment.

* Hunting Instincts: The sight of a bird triggers their natural hunting instincts. The meow could be a way to focus their attention on the bird and prepare for a potential chase.

It's important to note that meowing is a complex form of communication for cats, and we don't always understand all the nuances of their meows. While they might seem to meow differently when seeing birds, it's likely just a different combination of their typical vocalizations.