If you're a cat parent, you’ve likely experienced the unsettling “gift” your indoor or outdoor cat brings home: a mouse, bird, or lizard - sometimes still squirming, other times lifeless. While your cat may not eat their catch, the act is undeniably disturbing. So, why do cats offer up such grim presents? It’s a curious behavior that many parents question. Below, we take a closer look at the reasons behind this peculiar feline ritual.
Stop Googling - Ask a Real Vet
Content:
Why Does My Cat Bring Me Dead Animals
While it can be pretty disturbing, the reasons why cats do it can be quite endearing if you think about it. So without further ado, why do cats bring dead animals to you? Here are the possible reasons:
Hunting Instinct
In the wild, adult cats (females in particular) teach their young by hunting and bringing back prey, and domesticated cats share this instinct. On the other hand, even when not hungry, cats may hunt for fun and often bring their catch home. However, according to Joey Lusvardi, certified feline behavior consultant, if a cat has food insecurity issues in the past or is hungry, it might hide its “kill” rather than share it.
Nurturing Behavior
Cats may bring you dead animals as their way of showing affection and treating you like family. Lusvardi explains that mother cats bring prey to teach kittens to hunt. By gifting you a kill, your cat may think that they’re helping you practice to survive. As weird as it seems, it’s their nurturing way of showing love.
In a Reddit discussion, one Redditor commented that it’s likely a show of appreciation, like bringing over some dessert or wine upon being invited to a dinner party. On the other hand, your cat may also want to feed you so you won’t go hungry.
Because your cat may grab a hold of many things using their mouths, ensuring that they get clean and fresh water is essential, and the Petcube Pet Water Fountain does just that. Made to provide clean and fresh water through its purification technology, along with other innovative features, keeping your cat hydrated and healthy becomes easier.
Play
Cats, with their natural predatory instincts, make fantastic rat catchers in barns or busy spaces. In the home, however, this instinct often shifts from survival to play. That’s why your cat may bring you their toys — or even live animals — to "share" their hunt.
How to Stop a Cat From Bringing in Live Animals
Cats are natural hunters, enjoying the thrill of pouncing and even killing prey, whether it’s a toy or a live animal. That’s why they love stuffed mice, feather wands, moving toys, laser pointers, and puzzle games. Providing these toys and taking the time to engage them in play will help redirect your cat’s energy. Keeping your cat indoors or offering controlled outdoor access with options like a leash, tent, or catio, may also work.
The above ways can reduce the likelihood of your cat from hunting wildlife. Each year, cats kill billions of animals, including rodents and birds, making them a threat to native wildlife when left unchecked. While some outdoor cats are regular hunters, others prefer lounging in the sun. Either way, ensuring your cat’s instincts are satisfied safely can help protect local ecosystems while helping them stay healthy and free from harm as well.
Conclusion
While your cat’s “gifts” might be unsettling, they are often driven by instinct, affection, and playfulness. Whether it's a nurturing gesture or a playful hunt, understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help you better manage it. By providing engaging toys and controlled outdoor access, you can satisfy your cat's instincts safely, protecting both your pet and local wildlife. Remember, these quirky habits are just one of the many ways cats show their love and connection to their human families.
Was this article helpful?
Help us make our articles even better
