Have you ever had your cat bring you a dead animal? It can be pretty shocking, but it’s actually rooted in a cat’s natural instincts. Even if your feline friend is well-fed, they still have a naturally strong urge to hunt. Sharing their prey (prize) is one way they like to show off their survival skills.

·         Cats bring dead animals because of natural hunting instincts, teaching behaviors, bonding, or as a way to burn energy.

·         Stay calm, remove the prey discreetly, and redirect with toys or indoor play to manage this behavior.

·         Providing indoor stimulation, food puzzles, or safe outdoor spaces helps reduce unwanted “gifts” while keeping cats engaged.

Why does my cat bring me dead animals?

There are a few reasons why your cat brings you dead animals. Here are a few of them.

·         Instinctive Cat Behavior. Your favorite cat came from a long line of hunters. One of their natural urges is to bring their prey home to eat it or share it.

·         Maternal Teaching. A mother cat teaches their kittens to hunt by catching and carrying their prey. If your cat brings you dead animals, they consider you to be part of their family.

·         Boredom or Play. If your cat is an active hunter, they may be trying to burn off energy. Once they catch their prey, it becomes a prize that they are eager to bring home.

·         Bonding and Affection. Some experts think that bringing home dead animals is a sign of love. When they gift you a dead mouse or bird, they are trying to include you in their family or saying thank you for taking care of them.

What to do When Your Cat Brings Dead Animals

There is no way to turn off your cat’s hunting instincts. But there are some ways to deal with them when they bring you their prey.

·         Stay Calm and Don’t Scold. Your cat won’t understand you and punishment can weaken your bond and could create fear.

·         Discreetly Remove the Prey. Wait until your cat gets distracted. Once they are, use a paper towel or gloves to pick up any remains. Use a pet-safe disinfectant to clean the area. When you have a chance, use a Pawer Cat Wipe to clean your kitty, too.

·         Offer Alternatives. Give your cat an engaging toy and regular play sessions to help satisfy their hunting instincts.

·         Consider Indoor Living. Keeping your cat indoors protect both your pet and local wildlife.

How to Redirect Natural Instincts

Giving your cat an indoor outlet for their natural energy can help reduce their urges to chase and deliver prey. There are a lot of cat toys that mimic the movements of prey animals. For instance, a feather wand can be used to spark curiosity. Laser pointers encourage your cat to engage in sudden bursts of energy.

Another option is to use food-dispensing toys. This is a unique type of stimulation. They make your cat work for food, which keeps their minds and bodies active. Even small changes like switching out their toys often or introducing new textures help hold their attention and prevent boredom.

If your cat really likes spending time outside, try to take a more structured approach. A screened in patio allows them to watch birds and experience various scents without putting wildlife in danger or cats that bring home unwanted gifts.

About the Author: Fiona

Fiona is the current President and CEO of Pawer Lab. She makes sure everything is running purrfectly and oversees the day-to-day operations. When Fiona is not working, she enjoys chasing lasers, snacking on treats, or taking long naps in the sun.