Last Updated on April 24, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
Have you ever woken up to a surprise present from your furry friend? If so, cats can be some of the most thoughtful and generous creatures.
But why do cats bring you gifts? Today, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of cat gifts and all the quirks that come with them.
So come on, let’s explore why cats love to show their appreciation and why it’s essential to show your appreciation for their sweet gestures.
8 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat Brings You Gifts
1. Instinctual Hunting Behavior
Cats are instinctive to hunt; when they do, they bring you a gift [1]. It’s a way for them to show you that they can provide for you, just like they would for their family in the wild.
Plus, it’s a sign of their appreciation for you and a reminder of their hunting abilities – something passed down for generations. But why are cats afraid of balloons?
2. Seeking Praise Or Attention
Cats may be independent, but they still crave interaction with their owners.
You should reward your cat with a head pat or a scratch behind the ears whenever it brings you a mouse or a feather.
It’s a sign that your cat trusts you and wants to be closer to you – so take this opportunity to bond with your kitty.
3. Wants Affection
Your cat may bring you gifts, like a toy or a piece of string, to express their affection and get close to you.
Take the opportunity to show them some love back when this happens – give them a good pet or scratch behind the ears.
This interaction will strengthen the bond between you and your purring buddy and give them the affection they crave.
4. Territorial Marking
Territorial marking is one of the reasons why your cat brings you presents – like a dead mouse or a bird [2].
It’s their way of marking you as part of their territory and showing that you belong to them.
“Cats are connoisseurs of comfort.”
– James Herriot, British Veterinary Surgeon
And it’s a sign of love and protection, so if you receive a gift from your furry companion, it means they care.
5. Playtime
Your cat may be bringing you gifts to initiate playtime. Cats are naturally playful creatures and love engaging in physical and mental stimulation through play.
By bringing you a toy or a string ball, your cat hopes to get your attention and start some playtime.
Not only is playtime an enjoyable activity for your cat, but it is also important for their physical health, mental well-being, and overall happiness.
6. Teaching You To Hunt
Does your cat bring you gifts? If so, it’s likely because they are trying to share their hunting skills with you.
Cats have a strong instinct to provide for their families and may be trying to show you how to be a successful hunter.
But don’t discourage this instinctual behavior – instead, redirect their hunting energy to toys or other appropriate objects.
Find out what makes dogs scared of balloons here.
7. Your Furry Friend Is Bored
If your cat isn’t getting enough playtime or mental stimulation, it may look for other ways to pass the time and satisfy its instincts.
That’s why it might bring you gifts as a way to seek attention or affection from you.
Keeping your cat active and engaged with interesting puzzles, games, and environments will prevent boredom and foster desirable behaviors.
8. Giving Gratitude
Cats use gifts to express their gratitude for the food, shelter, and attention you provide.
Your cat creates a positive reinforcement loop by bringing you gifts, as you will likely show affection and gratitude in return.
Read: Gift Ideas For Someone Who Lost A Cat
What To Do When Your Cat Gives You Random Things?
- Acknowledge the gift. Show your cat that you appreciate their gift by acknowledging it and giving them some attention. It reinforces their positive behavior and encourages them to continue bringing gifts in the future.
- Redirect their hunting instincts. If your cat is bringing you live prey, it’s essential to redirect their hunting instincts to toys or other appropriate objects. It will help satisfy their instincts without causing harm to any living creatures.
- Provide plenty of toys. Encourage your cat to bring you toys instead of other random objects by providing plenty of toys for them to play with. It redirects their hunting instincts and prevents them from bringing you the wrong items.
- Show gratitude. Show your cat that you are grateful for their gifts by petting them, playing with them, or giving them treats.
FAQs
Why does a cat follow you when you go to the bathroom?
Cats may follow you to the bathroom out of affection, as they may enjoy being close to you and don’t want to be separated from you, even for a short amount of time.
What does it mean when the cat lets you touch one of its paws?
A cat letting you touch one of its paws is a sign of trust and love, indicating that the cat feels safe and comfortable with you.
Why do cats raise their bottoms when you pet them?
Cats lift their rear ends when touched so that their anal glands are closer to your nose and you can inhale their pheromones.
Do cats become irritated when picked up?
Yes, cats can become very irritated when they are picked up. This can be due to the cat feeling uncomfortable, nervous, or threatened by the action of being picked up.
In Summary
Cats may be unable to say it with words, but they know how to show it with gifts.
So next time your furry friend brings you something special, take it as a sign of their love and show them how much you appreciate it with lots of cuddles and belly rubs.
References:
- https://www.insider.com/important-things-every-cat-owner-should-know-according-to-vets
- https://www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-birds
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