Gifting to other cats?

mokabean

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I've heard of gifting dead things to owners, but lately my cat has been bringing in LIVE things for the other cats!  Every night Sephy comes in with a calling meow.  The other two (Belle and Merlin) come running up to her.  Sephy drops the live thing (gecko, giant cockroach, or mouse.. I prefer the first)  that is barely hurt, lies down, and watches the other two cats go at the gift. 

1) Is this normal?

2) How do I stop it? (ok, I get that it may not be possible, but if that mouse gets away, I'm in trouble).
 

momto3cats

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I've heard of mother cats doing this for their kittens, as part of teaching them to hunt. Maybe she thinks your other cats need the practice?

The only way to stop her would probably be to prevent her from hunting at all.
 

betsygee

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My cats often bring in their prey to 'share' with the other cats.  Rico in particular will bring in his hapless prey, drop it in the entryway where the other two cats hang out and the 'fun' begins, with all three of them chasing whatever poor critter they've captured.  

I don't think you can stop them, unless you shut them inside altogether.  
 

shadowsrescue

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My two ferals share prey.  One will make the initial "grab" of the chipmunk and then both with play with it.  Many times they just let it go.  With birds, then often take turns playing with it and will sometimes share it to eat as well.  It's crazy to watch them!
 
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