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 6 Reasons Why Your Cat Brings You Toys
1. Your Cat Is Showing Off
Cats are huge showoffs, which you probably already know if you’re a cat owner. Cats are hunters and see the toys you give them as prey. If they bring you a toy, it could be that the cat is showing off its ability to hunt.
This is most likely to happen when the cat has a new toy. The cat might not realize that the new toy isn’t prey or even an intruder for a bit. If the cat brings the toy to you and seems to be happy and proud, make sure you praise your feline companion for a job well done.
2. Your Cat Thinks You’re a Bad Hunter
When your cat presents you with a toy and then meows right afterward, it’s not just a sign that the cat loves you. It is also a sign that your cat thinks you can’t fend for yourself and are a bad hunter.
The cat could see you as inexperienced and weak at hunting. Cats often prey on their kittens in this way because the kittens are too small and weak to hunt for themselves. Though your cat’s toy isn’t prey, these toys are usually designed to wake the prey instinct in domestic cats.
The cat could be presenting you with the toy as a way of awakening your instincts and teaching you to hunt for yourself. You can ignore this behavior if you want to, though we wouldn’t, but you should never fuss at or punish your cat for this behavior, as it is only natural to them and only because they love you and want you to be able to survive.
3. Your Cat Wants 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.
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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, he would hide the toy away from you to keep you from stealing the toy from him. 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.
6. Your Cat Wants You to Guard the Toy
One of the final reasons your cat could be bringing you his toys is that he wants you to guard them for him. If your cat were hunting for prey in the wild, it would take the prey to a safe hiding place to keep until later.
Cats see their pet parents as someone they can trust and be safe with. They could be expecting you to guard their toys for them until they can come back for them later. This is the same reason you might find your cat’s toys hidden under your bed or in their favorite spot in the house.
Cat Toy FAQs
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 what they do to protect you and 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 his 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 own creatures, for sure, and they have their own 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 the cat’s natural instinct to do so.
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
