Cats are known for their hunting prowess, but have you ever wondered why they bring home dead animals? According to Dr. Stephanie Liff, a veterinarian, it’s not because your cat is hungry or needs more food – it’s due to their evolutionary history.
“Cats are predatory by nature,” says Dr. Liff. “They have a drive to hunt and catch prey.” This instinct was retained even after domestication over 10,000 years ago. In the wild, mother cats hunt and bring back food for their kittens. Your cat may see you as “not so efficient kittens” and bring home animals to play, practice hunting, and recognize prey.
Another theory is that cats feel safer eating at home rather than in the wild. They consider your home a place of refuge where they can have privacy and stashes food without fear of predators.
However, not all cats hunt frequently. Research suggests that personality, environment, and owner interaction play a role in determining whether a cat is a frequent hunter. Dominant and active cats tend to bring back more prey, while shy and friendly ones do not.
If you want to reduce the number of unsightly gifts from your cat, restricting what they can hunt can help. Keeping them indoors or removing bird feeders near homes can limit this behavior. However, it’s essential to provide alternative ways for your cat to satisfy their hunting instinct, such as toys that encourage play and pouncing.
By understanding why cats bring home dead prey, you can take steps to manage the behavior while also protecting the environment and your cat’s health.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/animals/domestic-cats/why-do-cats-bring-home-dead-animals