PET BEHAVIOR

Why Does My Cat Bring Me Dead Animals?

5 min read
Dec 04, 2021

Do you notice your cat bringing you dead rats, dead birds and essentially any other animal they can capture? According to a study from Nature Communications, cats in the United States kill between six and twenty-two billion small mammals each and every year.

Why do Cats do This?

They do not do this because they are mean, vicious creatures. They do this based on instinct.

As you know, cats have sharp teeth, retractable claws, cushioned paws, night vision and the ability to sneak up on prey quietly. All of these qualities are adaptations which allow them to efficiently capture prey. Even after all of this time, these adaptations and instincts are still fully intact. These are instincts, they are not actions which can be taken out of them. This is who they are.

Cats may see us, the humans, as rather inexperienced hunters. Or perhaps they want to show affection. 

Next time your cat brings you a dead animal as a gift,remember it is essentially his way of telling you he loves and cares for you.

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Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.