What is what does it mean when a cat brings you a dead bird?

Cats bringing you dead birds is a behavior with multiple potential explanations:

  • Hunting Instinct: Cats are natural predators. Even well-fed domestic cats retain their instinct to hunt. Bringing you a dead bird can be a display of their hunting prowess. The URL for this topic is Hunting Instinct.

  • Gifting: Your cat might see you as part of their "family" and bring you the bird as a gift, similar to how they might bring prey to their kittens or other cats in their social group. This is especially true if they deposit the bird near you or in a place where they feel safe and comfortable. The URL for this topic is Gifting.

  • Teaching: Some theories suggest that a cat might be bringing you the bird to teach you how to hunt, especially if you are perceived as inept at acquiring food for yourself. The URL for this topic is Teaching.

  • Possession/Territory: The cat might be bringing the bird into your home because they view it as a safe place to consume their prey, or to keep it from other animals. This could be a display of claiming territory. The URL for this topic is Possession/Territory.

  • Attention Seeking: The cat may have learned that bringing you a bird elicits a reaction, whether positive or negative, and they may be doing it to get your attention. The URL for this topic is Attention Seeking.

It's important to remember that a cat's motivation can be a combination of these factors and that each cat is unique.