Why Does My Cat Bring Me Dead Animals?
In short
Hunting is a deep-rooted instinct in cats, even well-fed ones. Bringing prey home is most likely about taking a catch somewhere safe to eat or play with, and your home is their safest place. The popular idea that your cat is "teaching" you or giving you a gift is a nice thought, but nobody knows for certain. Don't punish your cat for it. Instead, you can reduce hunting with play, timing and a few practical steps, and keep on top of worms and fleas.
Why do cats hunt when they're well fed?
A cat's urge to hunt isn't driven only by hunger. Stalking, pouncing and catching are built-in behaviours, and a cat with a full tummy will still respond to the rustle of a mouse or the flutter of a bird. Hunting seems to be satisfying in its own right.
Cats also tend to hunt in short bursts throughout the day and night, which matches their natural pattern of eating many small meals.
Why bring it home?
There are a few explanations, and more than one may be true for any given cat.
- A safe place to eat. In the wild, a cat might carry prey somewhere sheltered to eat it in peace. Your home, or your doorstep, is your cat's safe base.
- Not hungry right now. Your cat may have caught something on instinct, carried it home, then lost interest because they had already eaten.
- Playing with it. Some cats bring live prey indoors and continue the "game", which can be distressing to witness.
- The teaching idea. Mother cats bring prey back to their kittens so they can learn to deal with it. It is often suggested that cats treat their owners the same way, but this is a theory rather than something that has been shown.
- Your reaction. If bringing prey in leads to a lot of attention, it may not discourage the behaviour at all.
Whatever the reason, your cat isn't doing anything wrong in their own eyes. Telling them off won't stop the hunting and can damage your relationship.
What different "presents" tell you
| What you find | What it may mean |
|---|---|
| A dead mouse on the doormat | Caught, carried home, not eaten |
| Part-eaten prey | Your cat has been eating some of what they catch |
| Live prey released indoors | Continuing to play, or not finished with it |
| Insects, moths or frogs | Hunting whatever is around, common in younger cats |
| Birds more than rodents | May be hunting near feeders or at dawn |
How to reduce hunting
You can't remove the instinct, but you can reduce opportunities and give your cat another outlet.
- Play hunting games every day. Wand toys that move like prey, with a chance to stalk, pounce and "catch", seem to satisfy the urge. End each session by letting your cat catch the toy, then offer a small meal or treat.
- Keep your cat in at dawn and dusk. These are busy times for birds and small mammals. Many owners find that bringing their cat in overnight, with an evening meal to encourage them home, reduces catches.
- Use a quick-release collar with a bell, if your cat tolerates it. Some owners find this helps, though cats can learn to stalk quietly. Make sure it is a safety collar that opens if caught, and fitted so two fingers slide underneath.
- Think about bird feeders. Place them high, away from fences and bushes where a cat can hide, or move them if your cat is targeting them.
- Feed in a way that keeps them busy. Food puzzles and scatter feeding let your cat "work" for their meals. Our guide to indoor cat enrichment has more ideas.
- Consider a secure outdoor run or garden-proofing, if you want your cat to have outdoor time with less hunting.
What to do when your cat brings something home
- Stay calm. A big reaction can make the moment exciting, or frighten your cat.
- Distract and remove. Call your cat away with a treat or a toy, then pick up the animal using gloves or a bag.
- Rescue live animals carefully. Contain them with a box and a piece of card. An injured bird or animal may need help from a local wildlife rescue. Even a small scratch from a cat's teeth or claws can be dangerous to wild animals.
- Clean the area where the animal was, and wash your hands.
Health risks for your cat
Hunting cats can pick up parasites from their prey, including some types of worm. Fleas from wildlife are also possible. Speak to your vet about a worming and flea plan that suits a cat who hunts, as this can differ from an indoor cat's needs. Our guide to fleas, ticks and worms explains the basics.
Prey animals may also have eaten poison, such as rodent bait, which can then affect your cat.
When to call your vet
Contact your vet if your cat:
- Has a bite, scratch, swelling or abscess, which is common after scuffles with prey or other cats
- Is vomiting, has diarrhoea or has gone off their food after eating prey
- Has visible worms or rice-like segments in their stools or around their bottom
- Is losing weight despite eating well. See why is my cat losing weight
- May have eaten a poisoned rodent, or shows signs such as weakness, bleeding, pale gums, wobbliness or breathing difficulty. This is an emergency; call your vet straight away
Watch for changes in hunting habits
A cat who suddenly stops hunting, or starts hunting far more, may be telling you something. Older cats who no longer go out, or cats who are suddenly hungrier, can have health changes worth checking. Petopedia lets you log food, water, weight and behaviour, so you can see whether a change in hunting goes along with a change in appetite or weight.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. This is general information, not veterinary advice — if you're worried about your pet, contact your vet.