Why do cats bring home dead animals?

There are a few reasons why cats bring dead animals home, and the majority of them stem from instinct: 1. Hunting instinct: Even domestic cats that are fed well are naturally hunters. That instinct includes the act of bringing prey home. It's just what they're wired to do, not because they're hungry. 2. "Gifting" behavior: Some experts believe that cats give their owners dead animals as gifts or offerings. Mother cats bring food back from the wild to teach their offspring how to eat and hunt. Some people think that your cat thinks of you as a big, clumsy kitten who needs help! 3. Cats may be marking their territory or displaying their catch in their "domain" by dropping their prey close to your home. 4. Safe place to eat: If a cat doesn't feel safe eating their catch outside, they might bring it back to their home, which is likely your house, where they are more comfortable. Although it may appear disgusting, a cat may view it as normal or at least sweet. Are you looking for ways to stop it?

Baudry and colleagues investigated personality in a study published in Ecology and Evolution in 2023. According to the findings of their study, owners reported that dominant, aggressive, and active cats brought back more dead animals into the home. On the other hand, shy and friendly cats were less likely to bring home prey.

There are some steps you can take to reduce the number of unsightly gifts from your cat. "Just restricting what they're able to find to kill can limit the behavior," Liff said. This means keeping your cat indoors or taking down bird feeders near your home. However, Liff noted that a cat's drive to hunt needs to be satisfied in other ways, such as giving them toys they can chase and pounce on.

It is also good for the environment to reduce the number of animals that pet cats catch and kill. Every year, cats kill billions of birds and mammals, even driving some island species to extinction. This is one of the main reasons that wildlife populations are declining. Liff said that keeping cats inside is also good for their health because prey can carry parasites, rabies, and other diseases like avian flu. Getting your cat vaccinated against these hazards is also helpful.

Therefore, the next time your cat brings you a dead animal, remember that this is a natural instinct and a potential form of affection, and that there are ways to avoid receiving such unwelcome gifts. Liff stated, "You have to limit their access to do it if you don't want to see the behavior."

Ah, I see. You mean to say that even well-fed indoor/outdoor pet cats bring dead animals home? The scoop is as follows: 1. Your cat's natural hunting instincts are still strong, even if they are living the good life with food bowls and comfy beds. Chasing and catching prey is deeply wired into them—like a built-in hobby.

2. Some cats bring prey home as a kind of present for their owners. "I got you something!" It's like hearing them say, "You're a member of my family; here's some food or assistance." It's cute, but also kind of gross. 3. Teaching instinct: Female cats, especially, may bring back prey because they want to teach you how to hunt instinctively (just like they would teach their kittens). They don't know that you prefer mouse tartare to takeout. 4. Pride and security: They might be happy with their catch and want to show it off in your home, where they feel safe. Do you want to stop it? You could: Keep them inside, or limit their time outside. To alert prey, use a bell collar. For stimulation, provide more toys and playtime. Want assistance with any of those concepts?