Cat behaviour
Short answer: Cats bring gifts because they are expressing instinctive hunting behaviour, sharing valuable items with their social group, or offering something they consider important. It can be a sign of trust, bonding, teaching, or simply enthusiasm for their discoveries.
Written by Paul Denman, Cat Welfare Writer at Kitten Kaboodle
This guide offers general information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
Key points at a glance
- Gift giving is rooted in natural hunting behaviour and social sharing.
- Cats may bring gifts to teach, bond, or seek acknowledgement.
- Toys, socks, leaves, and paper scraps are often brought for the same reasons as prey.
- The behaviour is usually affectionate and not dominance related.
- Providing enrichment helps redirect hunting instincts safely.
Gift giving has deep evolutionary roots
In the wild, mother cats bring prey to their kittens to teach them how to handle and eat it. Sometimes the prey is alive, sometimes not. This teaching behaviour is instinctive and develops even in cats who have never raised kittens.
When your cat drops a soft toy at your feet, they may be acting out this instinct, practising a caregiving role within their social group.
Gifts help strengthen your social bond
Cats form social groups through shared scent, shared space, and shared behaviour. Bringing you an object, especially one your cat values, may be their way of including you in a cooperative activity.
In many cases, the message is simple: “You are important to me, and I want to involve you.”
Your cat may be seeking acknowledgement
Cats notice how we respond to their actions. If you respond warmly when they bring you a toy, the behaviour may become more frequent. Some cats parade their gifts proudly, making chirruping sounds or nudging the item towards you.
This is their way of inviting interaction or praise.
Non prey gifts are meaningful too
Indoor cats rarely have access to real prey, so they switch to symbolic items. These can include:
- Toy mice and balls.
- Scraps of paper.
- Hair ties and socks.
- Random household objects they find interesting.
The meaning is the same. They have found something valuable and want to share the experience with you.
Does this mean my cat thinks I cannot hunt?
It is more accurate to say that cats respond to social roles rather than judging ability. Gift giving does not mean your cat thinks you are incapable. It means you are trusted and included.
How to respond kindly
Even if the gift is not your favourite surprise, responding gently maintains trust.
- Acknowledge the effort: speak softly or offer gentle praise.
- Redirect if needed: offer a toy in return if the gift is inappropriate.
- Encourage play: engage your cat with the toy they brought to strengthen positive association.
How to support safe hunting instincts
Cats need outlets for natural behaviour. Indoor friendly alternatives include:
- Feather wands and chase based toys.
- Puzzle feeders that mimic hunting effort.
- Hiding toys around the home for discovery.
These activities meet behavioural needs while protecting wildlife.
More Advent Calendar questions
Gift giving is just one of the many thoughtful behaviours cats share with us. Explore more festive questions:
Frequently asked gift questions
- Why does my indoor cat bring me toys?
- Toys act as symbolic prey. Your cat is expressing instinctive behaviour and including you in the experience.
- Why does my cat bring gifts at night?
- Cats are naturally more active during dawn and dusk. They may find interesting objects while exploring and bring them to you when you wake.
- Is gift giving a sign my cat loves me?
- In many cases yes. Sharing valued items often reflects trust, comfort, and social bonding.
Enjoy learning how your cat expresses their affection?
Continue your Advent journey through our Articles section,
and tell us the funniest or most unexpected gifts your cat has delivered.
🐾 May every gift, toy, and curious treasure bring a smile. 🐾