If your cat likes to bring you toys and meows, this can be a cute gesture. If it happens at inconvenient times, however, such as late at night or when you’re trying to cook dinner, you may want to know why to curb the behavior.

Cats bring toys to their owners for many reasons, including showing off a trophy, expressing a bond, or begging for attention. Here are five reasons why cats bring you toys.

The 5 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat Brings You Toys

1. You’re a Bad Hunter

If your cat gives you toys and meows, it’s a sign that you’re beloved. But your cat also thinks you’re an ineffective and inexperienced hunter, like a kitten, and that you need help. Cats are natural hunters and often present injured or weakened prey to their kittens to show them how to hunt and kill. The kittens learn how to smell prey and finish it off, eventually being able to hunt on their own.

The cat’s toy isn’t prey, but toys are designed to awaken these instincts. Your cat is providing you with a teachable moment to get you to finish off the “prey” and learn to hunt for yourself. Don’t discourage this behavior with scolding or physical punishment, but you can ignore the gesture.

2. It’s Playtime

One of the most obvious reasons your cat may bring you toys is to play, much like a dog. Cats are energetic and enjoy stimulation, so bringing the toy to you is a way to get you involved in the experience.

Not all cats will engage in this behavior. A lot of them prefer to play independently. But if your cat brings a toy over and “asks” for playtime, it’s a sign that they value the bond and want to enjoy quality time with you. This is often seen with solo cats or young cats, so it’s important to play for a few minutes to deepen your bond.

Regular play sessions can help your cat stay happy and healthy. Why not start the play with a fun toy like Hepper’s Catnip Stick Toy? These sturdy toys are double-bagged, bite-proof, and filled with 100% organic catnip. Choose your favorite pastel color and treat your cat to hours of fun!

At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

3. They’re Showing Affection

Cats will sometimes bring toys over to express affection for their owners. They’re possessive of their toys, so presenting you with a toy is a sign of trust. Otherwise, your cat would guard the toy to keep you from stealing it.

If your cat brings a toy over to you, play with it or show your cat affection with gentle scratches or petting.

4. Your Cat Is a Show-Off

Remember, cat toys simulate prey. If your cat “killed” its prey, it may want to show off its hunting prowess to you. They’re showboats.

This is likely to happen with new toys, since cats may not immediately realize it’s a toy and not a prey item or intruder. If your cat brings a toy to you and seems especially proud of itself, praise your cat for a job well done.

5. It Needs a Replacement

If your cat brings you a damaged toy or a catnip toy that’s run out of the good stuff, the meaning is pretty clear—replace it. The toy isn’t fun anymore if parts are broken off, the sound device is damaged, or the enticing herb has run out.

When this happens, respond by replacing the toy. If it’s catnip, put more inside for your cat to play longer.

Why Does My Cat Bring Me Toys While I’m Sleeping?

Cats are nocturnal and get most of their energy at night. They’re looking for ways to entertain themselves, which often involves playing and hunting. If they’re bored and want you to be part of the fun, or they’re looking to show off their kill, cats may wake their owners up to share the toy. It may be disruptive, but it’s a loving gesture.

How Should I Respond When My Cat Brings Me Toys?

No matter the reason your cat brings you a toy, it’s always positive. Your cat is showing trust and affection, so never scold your cat or punish it. Take a few minutes to pet or scratch your cat as a thank you or play with the toy. If it happens at inconvenient times, like when you’re sleeping, try to curb the behavior by ignoring it.

What If My Cat Brings Me Dead Animals?

It’s possible that your cat will progress from toys to bringing you dead or injured prey, especially if it’s allowed outside. You shouldn’t punish this behavior, unpleasant as it may be. Instead, avoid it by limiting your cat to the indoors and only taking it outside with a leash on. Then, you can prevent hunting for animals outside and bring them indoors. This helps to protect wild animal populations.

If your cat kills an animal in the house and brings it to you, show praise. Your cat has earned its keep and acted as an exterminator for your home.

Conclusion

Cats bring toys to their owners for many reasons, but most of them are a sign of love and affection. Your cat trusts you to share the toy, play for a few minutes, or replace it with something good when it’s ruined. Even if your cat thinks you’re a bad hunter who needs help to survive, consider it a compliment that you can learn from such an exceptional predator.

Sources

https://consciouscat.net/why-do-cats-bring-gifts/ https://www.seniorcatwellness.com/why-does-my-cat-bring-me-toys-and-meow/#:~:text=should%20do%20it.-,Expressing%20Affection,behavior%20quite%20a%20flattering%20gesture. https://faqcats.com/why-do-cats-bring-you-toys/ https://www.petsradar.com/advice/Why-does-my-cat-bring-me-toys

Featured Image Credit: Arina Krasnikova, Pexels

Sources

https://consciouscat.net/why-do-cats-bring-gifts/ https://www.seniorcatwellness.com/why-does-my-cat-bring-me-toys-and-meow/#:~:text=should%20do%20it.-,Expressing%20Affection,behavior%20quite%20a%20flattering%20gesture. https://faqcats.com/why-do-cats-bring-you-toys/ https://www.petsradar.com/advice/Why-does-my-cat-bring-me-toys