what is chuffing in tigers

Chuffing is a form of communicative behavior exhibited by some members of the family Felidae, including tigers. It is a short, low-intensity, non-threatening vocalization that is often used between two cats as a greeting, during courting, or by a mother comforting her cubs. To vocalize a chuff, the animals mouth is closed, and air is blown through the nostrils, producing a breathy snort. It is typically accompanied by a head-bobbing movement. Tigers use chuffing as a friendly greeting, and it can also be used in an appeasing way. Chuffing is a social behavior that may be produced for a variety of purposes, and it is more likely to be expressed when tigers are housed in groups rather than individually.