7 Reasons Why Your Cat Brings You Gifts
Isn’t it cute when your cat brings you their toy or a leaf after an outside adventure? It’s so cute, right? But what about that dead bird that appeared on your doorstep once or twice? That, not so cute. So, why do cats do this? Let’s find out.
If you’ve ever found a small "gift" from your cat on your doorstep or living room floor, you may have wondered why they do it. Cats are complex and intuitive creatures and have many subtle ways of communicating. And this is one of them; bringing gifts which can either be a cute toy or a morbid dead animal. Let’s have a look why they do this.
Instinctual behavior
Cats are natural hunters. Even though they don’t need to hunt for food anymore, this instinct is still strong. Sometimes, cats bring you their catch to share their success with you, their family.
Affection and love
When a cat brings you a gift, it’s often a sign of love. Cats show trust and affection by sharing their catch with you. It’s their way of saying, "I care about you."
They want attention
Cats know how to get attention. By bringing you a gift, they may want you to notice them. They might be asking for play or interaction. It’s a way for them to get closer to you.
Territorial safety
Cats like to feel safe in their space. When they bring a gift to you, they are often bringing it into their safe territory. It’s their way of sharing something important with you.
To teach you to hunt
Mother cats teach their kittens to hunt by bringing them prey. Some cats may bring you gifts to "teach" you the same way. It’s a sign of their instinct to help and care for you.
Showing off their hunting skills
Cats are proud of their hunting abilities. By bringing you a gift, they may want to show you how well they’ve hunted. It’s their way of showing off their skills and sharing their success.
To play
Sometimes, the gift is not meant to be eaten. Cats may bring toys or dead animals to start a game with you. It’s a way for them to engage and have fun together.
Final Thoughts
When your cat brings you a gift, it’s their way of showing trust, love, and affection. Whether it’s to play, get attention, or share their success, it’s a special way they connect with you. The best thing you can do is accept the gift by showing interest in it and then petting your cat or giving it a treat.