cat with toy in its mouth

Why Do Cats Bring You Toys?

Last Updated on January 29, 2023 by admin

Cats are very affectionate animals, and one way they express love is by bringing you their toys. This could be a sign of trust, as it is a gesture of sharing something that they are very possessive of. It could also be a way of seeking attention, as cats are known to greet their owners in the morning or after work with one of their favorite toys. Another possible motivation is to play with you – cats can be clever enough to choose toys they want to play with and bring them to you. Finally, cats may also bring their owners toys as a form of hunting trophy, which is a sign of affection. All in all, when your cat brings you its toy, it is likely expressing its love and appreciation for you.

 

Cats Bring Toys to Show Affection

Cats show affection in many ways, but bringing you toys is one of the most precious. Cats will often bring their owners their favorite toy as a way of expressing love and trust. This is because cats see their owners as part of their family, and gifting something they prize is a sign that they trust you. Cats might even bring items of clothing or other objects in the absence of toys, as a way of engaging with you and teaching you how to hunt. If your cat brings you a toy and meows, it may be teaching you how to hunt, as it expects you to finish off the prey and learn to better catch its own food. Therefore, when your cat brings you a toy, it’s not only a sign of affection, but it could also be a gesture of teaching you how to hunt.

Responding to an Inherent “Prey–Retrieval” Instinct

Cats may also bring you toys as a response to an inherent “prey–retrieval” instinct. Cats are natural predators and hunters, so when they bring you gifts, it can be their way of bringing “prey” back to their owners. This behavior is discussed in detail under the name of “prey-retrieval behavior”, and it is one of the reasons cats bring you toys. So if your cat brings you a toy, it could be a sign that they are trying to show their affection for you in the only way they know how.

Complimenting Their Owners

Cats are incredibly intelligent creatures and they recognize when their owners are pleased with a gesture. If your cat presents you with a toy, it’s likely that they are complimenting you for being a great owner. They may want to show you that they appreciate your care and attention by bringing you something that they hold dear. Petting them afterwards will show them that you reciprocate their affection and that you value their gifts.

Expressing Affection and Trust

Cats can also show affection and trust by bringing you their toys. Dropping their favorite toy in your lap is a sign that they trust you to keep them safe, and it shows their gratefulness for your care. Gifting the items they love is a sign of trust, and you should consider yourself lucky to receive such a gift from your feline friend. Not only does this show their affection for you, but it is also a sign that they know that you will look after them and cherish them.

Gifting Their Favorite Items

Cats may also bring you their favorite toys as a way of gifting their treasured possessions. When cats offer their favorite items, it is a sign that they have accepted you as part of the family. Gifting items they love is a sign of trust and respect, and it should be considered an honor. Cats may even hide their favorite toys from other pets in your home, as a way of showing that they view you as special.

Seeking Attention or Praise

Cats may also bring you their toys in order to receive attention or praise. It is not uncommon to find a kitty meowing expectantly at you as she delivers her latest prey. This is likely because cats are very social animals and enjoy receiving affection from their owners. They may also be seeking a treat in return for their efforts! Cats can be quite clever when it comes to manipulating us into giving them what they want, so it is important to be mindful of the message your cat is trying to communicate and respond accordingly.

Showing That They Love You

Cats show love and affection by purring, bunting, and rolling over onto their backs. But cats also show their love in subtler ways, like bringing you toys. Cats bring toys to you as a way of showing that they care for you – it’s a sign of trust and love. They may also bring you toys as a way of expressing their appreciation for you as their owner. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that cats often give us gifts out of the kindness of their hearts.

Wanting You to Play With Them

Cats can become bored easily and need some form of stimulation to keep them occupied. If your cat brings you its toy, chances are it’s looking for a game of fetch or something to scratch and claw at. Cats are intelligent and can pick up on the cues from their owners. If you show excitement or respond positively when your cat brings you their toy, they’ll be encouraged to keep doing it. Playing with your cat helps them stay mentally active and happy, and will create a strong bond between the two of you. Playing with your cat is also a great way to provide it with physical exercise, which will help keep it in good shape and healthy.

Boredom in the Middle of the Night

Cats often bring their owners toys as a way of communication and expressing their love. This could be due to boredom, as cats can get easily bored playing with the same toys. If your cat is waking you up in the middle of the night to play, it is important to try and shift playtimes to before meals. Toys such as the Flashing Firefly or other interactive toys can help keep cats entertained and can help prevent them from getting bored in the middle of the night. Pet cameras can also help capture amusing moments of your cat playing with their toys, even when you are not there.

Cats See Humans as Poor Hunters

Some experts believe that cats look upon humans as poor hunters, unable to provide sustenance for themselves. This could explain why cats bring their owners toys and other objects, as if they were offering a gift of food. Their instinct tells them that if their owner can’t hunt, then they should bring something that could serve as sustenance. It’s also possible that cats are looking to “fill the gap” with their offerings, as if they were trying to make up for the fact that their human counterpart is unable to provide food for them. Cats have an innate desire to care for those around them, so it’s no surprise that they would look to fill the void with things that make their owners happy.