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Written by Wendy Christensen
Q: We have an American Short Hair, female, about 2 years old who has brought us more love and laughter than we ever dreamed possible!!
She will get certain toys and put in or very near her food dish! These toys usually are furry mice or feather toys. This is a very cute behavior, not anything bad, just cute. We have wondered about this many, many times. Any ideas?
A: I may be going out on a limb with this; be aware that many other behaviorists would disagree with me. I think this kind of behavior may be a form of "symbolic communication."
I had one cat who did this kind of thing all her life. If dinner was late (because we were out, for example), we'd come home to find one furry mouse in the food bowl. If we were even later, there'd be two mice… And the few times we were VERY late getting home (like after a long drive), there would be three. This cat also ran what clearly were decoy strings - she'd place furry mice on several stairs leading to the cellar. Then, she'd sit on the top landing and… wait.
I had another cat who consistently dragged small, soft toys and drowned or dunked them in her water bowl.
I think some of this kind of behavior is sending messages that are intended to communicate something to us. What, I'm not entirely sure.
Another theory? I have one male cat who likes to drop a few furry mice in the dry-food bowl, where his face and mouth can rub against them as he eats his crunchies. Does this give him more of a "feel" of eating small, furry prey? I don't know… I would LOVE to be able to read kitty minds and find out, though. Interestingly, this is a very sweet, but also highly predatory, male cat who has never lived outdoors (though we do get the occasional mouse indoors).
Your cat could be doing something like adding her own contributions to the meal by bringing her "just-caught prey;" or perhaps she likes the feel of feathers on her whiskers while she eats. Or, she might be trying to thank you for the meal, or suggest that more natural foods (birds, mice!) would be more appreciated. Or, she might have a strong inborn maternal streak, and be bringing extra food for her imaginary kittens.
I find this kind of cat behavior absolutely fascinating. Thanks for the report, and Purrrrs to you and your kitty.
Announcement from The Cat Herder: I got the VERY best holiday gifts this year: two new kitties for my herd, bringing our total to 11. Prince Syvert the Bold, and his sister, Hazel-Marie, were feral babies, adopted from Monadnock Kitty Rescue & Adoption in Jaffrey, NH, December 6, 2005.
Herding Cats at Home - February 2006 1
Herding Cats at Home - February 2006 2
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