If you’ve ever woken up to find a toy, a leaf… or something far less pleasant left on your floor, you’re not alone. Many cat owners experience their cat proudly presenting them with “gifts”.
While it might not always be appreciated, this behaviour actually has some fascinating reasons behind it.
Instinct and Hunting Behaviour
Cats are natural hunters. Even well-fed cats still have strong instincts to stalk, chase, and capture prey.
When a cat brings something home, it’s often simply the result of these natural hunting behaviours.
Indoor cats may bring:
- Toys
- Socks
- Small household items
Outdoor cats may bring:
- Mice
- Birds
- Leaves or insects
It’s all part of the same instinct.
They See You as Family
In the wild, mother cats bring food back to their kittens. Some behaviourists believe that when cats bring gifts, they may be treating their owners as part of their family or even as slightly helpless hunters who need help!
Strange as it sounds, it can actually be a sign of trust.
They Want Praise or Attention
Cats quickly learn what gets a reaction. If bringing something results in talking, movement, or attention, they may repeat the behaviour.
Even saying “oh no!” counts as attention in a cat’s mind.
Play Behaviour
Sometimes the “gift” isn’t really a gift at all it’s an invitation to play.
Cats often drop toys near their owners hoping for interaction.
What Should You Do?
If your cat brings you something:
Stay calm Remove it quietly Praise your cat gently (without encouraging hunting behaviour too much)
Punishing a cat won’t work they don’t understand they’ve done anything wrong.
Final Thoughts
As unpleasant as it can sometimes be, a cat bringing you gifts is usually a sign of instinct, trust, or affection. To your cat, they may simply be sharing their success with someone they care about.
And while we might not always appreciate the offering… the intention is often sweet.
