It’s early morning, and you spot a little “present” on your doorstep – a feather, a toy, or, if you’re unlucky, a mouse. Before you recoil in horror, take a deep breath. Your cat isn’t trying to gross you out – they’re showing you something surprisingly sweet (in their own unique way).
Understanding the Instinct
At the heart of this behaviour is your cat’s natural hunting instinct. Even the most pampered indoor cat has the heart of a hunter. In the wild, cats teach their young how to hunt by bringing back prey – alive or dead – to demonstrate skills and share food.
When your cat brings you a mouse, insect, or toy, they’re following this same pattern of instinctual behaviour. They see you as part of their social group, perhaps even as their family, and they’re trying to share their “catch” with you.
A Sign of Affection and Bonding
Believe it or not, cats see humans as part of their colony. Bringing gifts can be a way of nurturing that bond – they’re offering something of value (to them) to show care and inclusion.
If your cat tends to bring you their toys, it’s often because they associate you with play and interaction. They may drop a toy at your feet as an invitation – a feline version of “Let’s play!”
Indoor Cats and Substitutes
Even cats who never step outdoors still express hunting behaviour. You may notice your cat stalking toy mice, chasing strings, or pouncing on shadows.
When these cats “present” you with toys or random objects, they’re simply adapting their natural instincts to their environment. Accepting the gift with gentle praise reinforces trust and affection.
What To Do When It’s a Real Mouse
If your cat brings home a real (and sometimes still moving) “gift”, don’t scold them – it’s instinctual, not malicious. Instead:
- Stay calm – avoid shouting or punishment.
- Remove the prey safely – use gloves and dispose of it hygienically.
- Redirect energy – increase indoor play sessions, using wand toys or puzzle feeders to satisfy hunting needs.
- Keep wildlife safe – if your cat goes outdoors, consider a breakaway collar with a bell or a BirdsBeSafe collar cover to reduce hunting success.
Understanding the Message
Each cat has its own “gift-giving” style. Some proudly meow until you acknowledge them. Others quietly leave surprises where you’ll find them later. Either way, they’re communicating – “I care for you”, “I want to play”, or “Look what I did!”
Acknowledge their effort with calm appreciation, a gentle pat, or a short play session. Never punish them – it can cause confusion and anxiety.
The Welfare Angle
While we cherish our cats’ instincts, it’s also important to balance their needs with wildlife protection. Cats are natural predators, and outdoor hunting contributes to bird and small animal decline.
Supporting responsible ownership through desexing, keeping cats indoors or supervised, and providing stimulating indoor play helps protect both our pets and local wildlife. That’s part of the mission behind KittyCat Fixers – creating harmony between cats, people, and nature.
In Summary
When your cat brings you a gift, it’s not a prank – it’s an act of instinct, affection, and trust. By understanding this behaviour, you can respond in ways that strengthen your bond and protect both your furry friend and the environment.
