- Offering Live Mice to Owners by Cats: The Strange Behavior Explained
In the intriguing world of feline behaviour, a common yet puzzling question arises: why do some cats bring home live or injured mice? New research suggests that this behaviour is rooted in instinctual tendencies linked to affection and teaching, rather than a simple gift-giving gesture[1][2].
Cats, by nature, perceive themselves as the heads and responsible parties of their households[3]. This sense of responsibility extends beyond their feline family, with some cats viewing their human companions as an integral part of their extended family. As such, they may bring prey as a way to share their success, show trust, and even attempt to teach you survival skills like hunting[1].
Two primary explanations for this behaviour have been proposed. Firstly, cats may bring live or injured prey as a **gift or sign of affection**, reinforcing bonds and demonstrating care[1][4]. Secondly, they regard your home territory as part of their core domain, so bringing prey there is a natural extension of their hunting activities[1][4].
In the wild, mother cats bring dead or injured prey to their kittens to teach them how to eat and hunt[1]. This educational behaviour is extended to their human family members, with cats often catching and playing with live mice in front of their owners[2]. Therefore, it can be seen as an **educational purpose**—your cat is instinctively trying to 'teach' you hunting or survival skills, reflecting their natural predator and maternal instincts[1].
It's important to note that this behaviour is rooted in instincts rather than hunger alone, as cats hunt even when well-fed to keep their skills sharp[1][4].
Misconceptions about cats, such as the belief that they don't need human care, are being dispelled by observations of their behaviour determining how things run in a household[3]. German and British behavioural researchers believe that cats bring live prey to teach their humans survival skills and how to provide for their offspring[2].
For those who find a live mouse in their home, releasing it unharmed back into the wild could be an option. However, it's also essential to consider the safety of both the cat and the mouse, as some humans are capable of catching mice that their cats bring home[1].
In summary, your cat bringing live mice home is an instinctive way of sharing, caring, and teaching, reflecting deep natural behaviours inherited from their wild ancestors. Understanding this behaviour can help strengthen the bond between you and your feline friend.
Sources: [1] Tiergesund.de [2] Pet-Happy.com [3] Unspecified sources [4] Inference based on multiple sources
In lieu of the deep-rooted instincts of cats, they bring prey as a demonstration of affection, reinforcing bonds with their human companions and serving as an educational purpose to share hunting skills, considering the extended family focus in their behavior. This unique lifestyle phenomenon is distinguished among the home-and-garden and pet-raising community, where vocational training in feline behavior offers valuable insights for efficient and harmonious cohabitation.
