We may like to think of our pets bringing these surprising gifts to us as a sign of their care, love, and generosity, but Yulia Popyk, the animal behavior expert from Emergency Pet Fund, told Bored Panda in an interview via email that this is not the case. This behavior, according to Popyk, is more likely due to a combination of instinct, training, and a desire for attention or rewards.

“In the case of cats, their natural hunting instincts can drive them to bring prey to their owners. This behavior is often seen as a form of ‘gifting’ or offering, and it can be a way for the cat to demonstrate their affection or to establish dominance,” Popyk said.

Meanwhile, in dogs’ case, the behavior of bringing things to their owners is often seen in breeds that were originally bred for hunting or retrieval, such as retrievers and spaniels. “These dogs have a strong instinct to retrieve and bring things to their owners, and this behavior can be further strengthened through training and positive reinforcement.”

Popyk argues that in both cats and dogs, “the behavior of bringing things to their owners can also be a way for the animal to seek attention or rewards, such as treats or praise. This reinforces the behavior and can lead to it becoming a habit.”

We also asked the animal behavior expert what makes cats bring mice, one of the most common gifts from a feline, to their owners. “Cats bring mice and other small prey animals to their owners as a way of showing affection and as a form of hunting instinct. Hunting is a natural behavior for cats, even for those that are domesticated and well-fed.”

Popyk continued: “By bringing prey to their owners, cats are essentially 'gifting' them and demonstrating their love and devotion. In the wild, cats hunt to provide food for themselves and their offspring, and this instinct remains strong in domesticated cats, even though they are no longer required to hunt for their food,” she said.

However, Popyk warned that it is not recommended to encourage this behavior, as it can pose a health risk to both the cat and its owner since wild animals can carry diseases. If a case like this occurs (better safe than sorry!), Emergency Pet Fund, an alternative to classic pet insurance, can come in handy. “Additionally, it is best to discourage this behavior as it can lead to the death of the prey animals, which can cause distress and ethical concerns,” she suggested.

So if your beloved cat is bringing mice to you again and again, Popyk’s advice is to provide plenty of toys and interactive play. “Encourage your cat's hunting instincts by providing them with plenty of toys, such as feather wands and mouse toys. Engage in interactive play with your cat every day to satisfy their urge to hunt.”

Another tip to teach your cat to not bring presents is to make sure they have enough food and stimulation available for them. “Make sure your cat is well-fed and has plenty of stimulation throughout the day. Bored cats may resort to hunting and bringing prey as a form of entertainment.”

Owners should also discourage this behavior. “When your cat brings you prey, firmly but calmly tell them ‘no’ and remove the prey. Do not give your cat any attention, as this may reinforce the behavior,” Popyk said. Another important aspect is making sure your cat's living environment is safe and secure, with no access to small animals that they can hunt. “This can help reduce their urge to hunt and bring you prey.”

Popyk concluded by saying that if your cat's hunting behavior is excessive, it’s best to seek advice from your veterinarian. “There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your cat to behave in this way.” It’s also important to remember that it may take some time for your cat to break this habit, but with patience and consistency, you can train them to stop bringing you prey.