A half-dead mouse on a rug or a dead beetle on a pillow: cats consider these “trophies” to be the height of generosity.
Owners usually attribute such behavior to the hunting instinct or the desire to please the "clumsy biped." But the real reason is much more complicated and... a little sad.
Cats are natural teachers. In the wild, mothers bring half-dead prey to their cubs so they can learn to hunt.
Your pet sees you as a big, clumsy kitten who is unable to catch his own food.
The gift is not a gesture of love, but a lesson in survival. The cat is sincerely trying to help you "pump up your skills", because, from its point of view, you are clearly starving, since you spend all day digging in a strange box (laptop).
But there is another theory. Domestic cats live in unnatural conditions: they do not need to get food, protect themselves from predators or fight for territory. Hunting becomes a way to relieve stress and realize instincts.
The caught prey is proof of their "professionalism". By bringing you the trophy, the pet seems to say: "Look how effective I am! You can be proud of me." This is analogous to how a person posts photos of their achievements on social networks.
Cats are also masters of manipulation. If you react violently to the "gift" (yell, take it away, fuss), your pet remembers: this action attracts attention.
The next time he gets bored or lonely, he will make a new sacrifice to get your reaction. For a cat, it's a game where your emotions are the main prize.
But what to do if such surprises frighten or irritate you? Don't scold your pet - he's trying sincerely. It's better to redirect his energy: buy interactive toys, play "hunting" more often, or install a puzzle feeder.
And if the "gift" is already on the floor, quietly remove it without drawing attention to it. Over time, the cat will understand that this method does not work and will find another way to communicate.
Remember: behind every dead bug there is a complex range of feelings. Your pet is not just killing time - he is teaching, bragging or asking for attention. And there is a certain, feline logic to this.
Author: Kurchev Anton