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We have all been sitting on the couch watching TV, laying in bed reading, or even in the kitchen cooking when our cat walks in and lays a toy on our laps or deposits it at our feet. This is often accompanied by a look that says we should know what the cat wants us to do with the toy or a meow which leaves no mistake that the feline expects us to do something.
Have you ever wondered why your cat brings you toys and expects you to know what to do with them? There are several reasons for this behavior. We’ll give you a list of those reasons and answer some of your cat toy-related questions in the guide below.
The 5 Reasons Why Your Cat Brings You Toys
1. Your Cat Is Displaying Their Hunting Talents
Cats often treat toys as prey substitutes. Bringing the toy to you may simply be your cat moving their “catch” to a safe place or sharing it with a trusted companion. This behavior is natural and reflects their predatory instincts, not an attempt to show off.
2. Your Cat Is Expressing their Teaching Instinct
Some behaviorists suggest that when cats bring items (including toys or prey) to their humans, it may resemble the way a mother cat introduces prey to kittens. While we can’t know their exact motivation, it may be an instinctive way of sharing or including you in their “hunting routine,” rather than a belief that you cannot hunt.
Though your cat’s toy isn’t prey, these toys are usually designed to wake the prey instinct in domestic cats.
3. Your Cat May Want a Replacement Toy
Toys wear out, and when they do, cats want replacements, just as humans do. If the toy is broken or the catnip ball is out of catnip, it is pretty obvious that the cat wants you to replace the damaged toy with a new one.
After all, what fun is a toy that does not make a sound, has parts broken off, or is out of the catnip that made it interesting to begin with? If this is the case with the toy your cat brought you, replace the top or refill it with catnip, and your feline will be happy once again.
Well-designed toys will keep your cat happy and engaged. For a sturdy, fun toy that will look nice in your living room, we recommend Hepper’s Catnip Stick Toy! These toys are designed to look like prey and double-bagged to stand up to your cat’s sharpest claws and teeth. Plus, they’re filled with organic catnip and handmade in the USA.
At PangoVet, 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!
4. Your Cat is Showing It Loves You
Another reason your cat might bring you its toys is simply to show you that he loves you. This is the cat’s way of being affectionate. Cats are possessive with their toys, so giving the toy to you is a sign that they trust you and something to be cherished.
If your cat did not trust you, they would keep their distance. That’s why it’s essential if your cat brings a toy over to you, that you take it gently, then praise your cat and give it scratches, cuddles, and pets.
5. Your Cat Wants to Play
One of the most common and obvious reasons your cat may bring you his toys is that he wants you to play with him. Just like dogs, cats are full of energy and enjoy being stimulated mentally and playing with their pet parents.
Dropping their toy in your lap is a way to tell you that your feline friend wants to play with you. However, every cat isn’t the same, and some of them prefer to play by themselves. There is nothing wrong with your cat being independent and preferring to play with his toys alone, and it is just the way some cats are.
Cat Toy FAQ
Now that you know why your cat is bringing you his toys, we’ll answer a few of your other questions as well in the section below.
Why Does Your Cat Bring You Dead Animals?
It’s gross and quite nerve-wracking when your cat brings you a dead animal and plops it on the floor in front of you. Don’t fuss at your cat for bringing you these “toys,” as it’s an instinctual behavior to show affection, show off their catch, or teach you to hunt. Instead, keep your cat inside if the behavior continues.
What Should You Do When Your Cat Brings You Toys?
As you can see, there are different reasons that your cat brings you their toys. All of these reasons should be met with praise and love. If the cat’s toy is damaged, replace it. However, if your cat is bringing you toys when you’re cooking, working, or even sleeping, try ignoring the behavior until later for the best results.
Conclusion
So why do cats bring you toys? Cats are their creatures, for sure, and they have their personalities and ways of doing things. If your cat brings you his toys, it’s for a reason and should be met with praise, pats, scratches, and love. Never scold or punish your cat for bringing you toys, as it’s a natural and instinctive part of being a cat.
Ignore the behavior if it’s at a time when you can’t reward the behavior instead, but make sure to praise your cat when it brings the toys to you later for the best results. The last thing you want is for your feline friend to feel that he can’t trust you.
See Also:
- Why Do Cats Sit on Their Toys? 5 Common Reasons
- Why Does My Cat Put Toys in the Water Bowl? (10 Likely Reasons)
Featured Image Credit: HeungSoon, Pixabay
