Cats are natural born hunters. It's also common for them to take care of themselves and their extended family, which includes us humans. That's why they sometimes deliver unappetizing and unusual gifts to their loved ones.
We've compiled a list of weird presents some silly cats have brought to their owners. They range from articles of clothing to cleaning supplies to gifts from nature. Some of these felines are very creative when it comes to the gifts they come up with...
Several Pairs Of Socks
Many cats are very independent and are able to entertain themselves without a problem. Other cats require a lot of attention from their owners. According to this cat's parent, "My cat brings me socks whenever I don't pay attention to her to try to win my approval."
The socks look worn and dirty, so it's likely that she dug throughout the laundry basket to locate them and take them to her owner. She's making a statement. We don't know exactly what that statement is, but she's saying it loud and clear.
A Torn & Tattered Potholder
This cat has a very satisfied look on his face. He brought his human a present! The owner posted the image online with the caption, "My cat took this mitten out of the drawer, and brought it to me as a gift!" It looks like a potholder that's a little worse for wear.
It's unclear whether the potholder was previously damaged or the cat had a little fun ripping it apart. Either way, he somehow managed to open a drawer and pull the potholder out all on his own.
A Leaf A Day Keeps The Doctor Away
How's this for a cat gift? Baloo the cat has quite a hobby for herself. She brings her human, a student named Ben, a pretty leaf every single day. Baloo and Ben live in student housing along with six men and their girlfriends, and she seems to thrive on all the activity.
Occasionally, Baloo's wild streak will come out and she'll bring Ben something less pretty than a leaf, like little birds or mice. Ben prefers receiving his daily leaves.
A Car Wash Sponge
Here's another cat that also appears delighted by his prize. The owner wrote of the gift: "Some cats bring home mice or birds, ours brings home sponges..." It's a rather large sponge that looks like it's intended for washing a car or some other large object.
We can imagine this cat just nonchalantly strolling over to the neighbor's house and stealing the sponge while the guy is scrubbing down his truck. When he turns around, the sponge is gone. There's a reason why the term "cat burglar" is in the English vernacular.
A Deflated Balloon
This cat may be related to the one who enjoys bringing his owner plastic grocery bags. His owner notes, "My wife and I started feeding a stray cat. He likes to bring us presents. Normally it's a dead mouse, or a chicken bone, etc. Today he showed up with this, no idea how he got it."
Everybody likes getting balloons. It's just not very common for a cat to be the one who does the gifting. This balloon is a bit deflated, but the sentiment is there. Who needs balloons for just birthdays, anyway?
A Hot Dog Wiener
If your cat is going to bring you a snack, he could do a whole lot worse than a hot dog wiener. This little guy is waiting not-so-patiently at the screen door to bring in his spoils. We're not entirely sure that the hot dog is solely for its human.
Do cats even like hot dogs? And where did he get it in the first place? It's amusing to think he probably swiped it off someone's BBQ tray. The cook probably never knew how he lost a hot dog between the kitchen and the grill.
Plastic Grocery Bags
This cat's human writes, "This morning at 5am my cat gave me a present of plastic grocery bags. It didn't wake me up so he must have thought that I didn't approve. So, he woke me up by laying a foil sheet (covering my toaster) on my pillow next to my face, promptly waking me up. I'm very loved by my kitty!"
That's one way to get an owner's attention. It's a good thing that cat didn't inadvertently cover his human's face with plastic bags, otherwise there could have been some unintended (and possibly deadly) consequences.
A Rare-Colored Moth
Cats love to chase moving objects. Have you ever played with a cat using a light pointer? They go crazy. Unfortunately, they can never truly catch the light. Then there's this cat. The owner wrote, "My cat brought me the gift of moth in a color I've never seen in 38 years."
What's great about this is that the moth is apparently a rare shade of yellow. So, the cat has introduced his human to an insect he's never seen before. Unfortunately, it appears like the moth is dead.
Henry The Cat Presents His Toy Mouse Every Single Day
Cats love toys. They're very playful creatures who require stimulus to live happy, fulfilling lives. Well, this little guy has a lot of fun with a mouse toy. His owner writes, "Meet Henry. He presents me with this toy mouse every morning claiming a successful night's work."
Henry obviously is very proud of his daily "catch." And it's really cute how he greets his owner each morning with the mouse. Perhaps he's compensating for not being able to hunt live creatures. Somehow, a mouse toy is a perfect substitute.
A Leaf From A Tree
This little guy has a bit of a frenzied look on his face. Cats have all kinds of personalities, and this one is obviously a little intense. According to his owner, "He likes to hunt leaves and bring them to his human." There is a certain appeal in leaf hunting.
Leaves fall from trees and blow all over the yard, making them moving prey. Of course a kitty would have fun chasing them around and trapping one. And what owner wouldn't be proud of receiving such a gift even if they're plentiful in the front yard?
A Cracker
Some cats have some really strange behaviors. In addition to playing with odd objects, some of them also eat weird things. Take this cat. The owner explains, "My cat found me an unattended cracker and brought it to me so I could hold it for her while she eats it."
This is a cat who knows what it wants, which entails being hand fed. Some cats do have that royal type of attitude. They feel like they deserve to be treated like kings and queens with their humans waiting on them and taking care of their every need.
A Tiny Live Snake
Now this isn't something most people would want to find in their homes. This cat has proudly produced an itty bitty snake for his human. It looks like the reptile is alive and well, making it a particularly vibrant gift. Notice the cat's eyes. They're bright and have a look of expectation in them.
It's as though the cat is thinking, "Hey, human. Look at this great snake I brought for you. Don't you like it?" No, cat. We don't like it. And we don't want a live snake slithering inside our home.
A Present From Under The Christmas Tree
If you can make friends with your girlfriend's cat, then you're in. It appears that this kitty is pleased with his human's boyfriend, who explains, "So I'm in the bathroom and open the door to find my gf cat bought me a gift from the tree downstairs."
It appears that this happened around Christmastime, and the cat carefully selected a present from under the tree to give to his human's significant other. This is a big step in any relationship. If the cat likes you, then that's a good sign.
An Italian Cat Named Toldo Brought Gifts To It's Owner's Grave For Over A Year
A gray and white cat named Toldo had a hard time letting go after his owner, Iozzelli Renzo, died in 2011. The cat lived in Montagnana, northern Italy, and spent every day visiting Renzo's grave. He also brought several gifts to the cemetery to show his love for Renzo.
The gifts included leaves (see the trend here?), sticks, twigs, as well as household items such as plastic cups and paper towels. People would tell Renzo's widow, Ada, about the cat's daily visits to the gravestone. It all started the day after the funeral when the cat followed the coffin from the house to the cemetery.
Toldo Was Not Deterred Even After People Threw Stones At Him
According to Ada, her husband and Toldo were very close. Renzo adopted him from a cat colony when Toldo was only three months old. But not everyone liked Toldo's presence. Some people tried to chase him away by throwing stones at him.
Despite the negativity, Toldo continued to visit the grave and leave offerings for his human. "My husband was very affectionate with him. Renzo loved animals. It's almost as if Toldo would be grateful. He is a special cat, one can not help liking him, " Ada told La Nazione.
...And Another Cat With A Leaf Habit
As we noted previously, some cats love chasing things and it doesn't matter what it is. Here's another case of a cat bringing her human some leaves. "Instead of a dead bird or mouse, my cat decides to bring us gifts of leaves. She's been doing this for years," the owner notes.
For whatever reason, the cat truly believes her owner is delighted by leaf presents. She's been "leaving" these little gifts for her mama for years. It must give her some satisfaction because it's become quite the habit. Perhaps it's an addiction?
More Socks and Pants
Perhaps it's the scent of socks that get some cats all excited. Here's another instance of a kitty who tries to please its human with clothing. According to the owner, "My cat brings me gifts of pants and socks!" We don't see any pants in the picture, but some of the items resemble underwear.
We're not exactly sure why a cat would be attracted to the smell of dirty socks. Maybe it's the size of the item that truly compels them to present it as a gift. They're easily portable. As for pants, carrying them would be a true feat for a feline of any size.
A Sign Of Love And Trust
It's quite common for cats to bring small animals and rodents to their humans. This owner explains, "My cats bring in mice and birds as gifts. They actually do this because they think that their humans can't hunt for themselves so they're trying to feed you :) this is a sign of love and trust in the cat family."
In other words, if your cat has never brought you a dead (or nearly dead) animal, then you're not quite part of the pack. Only when you've received such a great gift from a cat can you truly call him family.
A Roast Potato
Cats may or may not realize that their owners have different diets than they do. But perhaps they want to please you by gifting you with food they know you'll eat? According to this cat owner, "You know how cats usually bring you dead animals as gifts? Mine brought me a roast potato."
The sentiment is there. This cat obviously knows that his owner would love a gift, so why not give him something he'll like eating? The best way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
Blue Yarn
Notice the pattern of cats giving their owners presents in the morning? This pretty grey fur ball is apparently quite inventive. According to her owner, "My cat often brings me gifts in the morning. Today some blue yarn she hunted down in the living room."
We can't think of a better gift. It's soft and pliable and easy to carry. Plus, it's fun to play with and won't scratch your eyes. We like how the owner describes it as yarn "she hunted down." Obviously the cat had to work hard to beat that piece of fabric into submission.
A Winged Insect
It's apparent that cats are not very particular when it comes to the gifts they like to give to their humans. Look at this guy's eyes. He still has his hunting face on. And firmly grasped between his teeth is some sort of large, winged insect.
His gift is twofold. First, he is protecting his human (and himself) from an annoying flying creature. Second, he's presenting the insect as a gift. Because who wouldn't want a smashed insect as a present? In the end, and as all elementary school kids know, it's the thought that matters.
A Pretty Flower From A Pretty Cat
Clearly, this cat's human was having a rough day. So, to make them feel better, they brought them a lovely pink flower. Too bad the flower probably came from somebody's garden hat is now most likely torn up by the cat.
Well, at least their human is hopefully having a better day!
Nothing Like An Unattended Cracker
According to this human, their cat found an unattended cracker lying underneath the couch. Clearly, the only thing for the cat to do at that point in time is bring the cracker over to the human.
And this isn't an offering, it's so the human can hold the cracker while the cat eats it. Classic cat.
When Christmas Is Over But There Is Still Cheer
This cat clearly didn't get the memo that it is no longer the holiday season. Nevertheless, he is adamant about bringing his human a candy cane gift to show that there is still cheer left in the world.
Well, the cat could look a bit more cheerful, but it might be a look of regret from stealing someone's candy cane.
What's Better Than One Beetle? Two!
This human should feel very special. Their cat went through the trouble of not only bringing one beetle into the household but two! That has to be good luck or something, right?
Just look at the cat's eyes; he's clearly very proud of himself for bringing such a lovely gift to its human.
Wrong Birdie
The thing is, this cat tried its hardest to be a cat and bring their human a bird. Well, the result of this gift wasn't exactly an animal bird but a badminton birdie. Close enough, cat, but not exactly the same thing.
The human is most likely happy that it isn't a live bird, though!
Just In Care The Human Needed Another Roll Of TP
Who says cats aren't thoughtful? This kitty decided to go and gift their human with a roll of partially eaten toilet paper, just in case they needed another roll for their next trip to the bathroom.
While the partially eaten part could probably have been left out, it is the thought that counts.
The Cat Brought Her Human Her Trophy
It looks like this cat lost an epic battle of Dungeons & Dragons and decided to steal one of the game pieces. In her mind, it is probably a trophy showcasing how she should have won the game.
And if she can't have the trophy, then no one can! Well, no one but her human, that is.
So Proud Of Her Doorstop
Cats bring their humans a lot of gifts, such as leaves, insects, and the occasional animal. This cat, on the other hand, gifted their human with a doorstop. A doorstop from where? Who actually knows.
One thing is for certain, though. This cat is very pleased with the first he brought his human.
Just Gifting Its Human With A Cheeseburger
Honestly, this is one of the more confusing gifts. This cat didn't bring his human trash but an entire cheeseburger, complete with wrapping! Did the cat walk through the drive-thru? Probably not.
The most likely explanation is that he jacked it from a neighbor who is now very upset their lunch is missing.
Got Grass?
Who needs a lawnmower or landscaper when a cat is willing to do it for you? Clearly, this cat loves gifting its human with a mouthful of grass and perhaps a few tiny insects.
Just looks at its eyes! He thought long and hard about the correct mouthful to bring to his human.
Just Over Here Stealing The Neighbors Lunch
According to this cat owner, this cat walked on over to the neighbor's house and snagged their lunch off the front porch, gifting it to them as if it were a wild catch.
Sorry, kitty, but that is literally a plastic bag with some meat in it, not a bird.
A Potato From A Potato
There is probably nothing quite like waking up in the morning only to be gifted something obscure from the cat who may or may not hate you. Well, this cat decided to gift their human with a potato one morning.
Did this human have a potato in the kitchen? That is going to be a question for the ages.
"Mom! I Brought You Those Receipts You Threw Away!"
This cat had it in its mind that their human must have mistakenly thrown away the shopping receipts. Why else would she have gone into the trash, pulled them out, and gifted them to its mom like she should win a gold medal in excellence?
Their human was probably very excited about getting gifted trash.
The Sacred Bottle Cap
Being gifted a bottle cap by this cat should have the human jumping for joy. Just look at the cat's face! Their clearly very pleased with themselves and believe this particular bottle cap is the holy grail of bottle caps.
It should be placed on a pedestal next to a picture of the cat for all time.
The 5am Gift Of Plastic Bags And Aluminum Foil
Nothing says "I love you" quite like being gifted a plastic bag and aluminum foil in the early hours of the morning. Literally, two of the nosiest items this cat could find and bring to its human, and they did it!
Their human was probably very excited to be woken up around five in the morning.
A Leaf For The Human
Who wouldn't want to be gifted a nice, crunchy, brown leaf? Honestly, it's probably not the first time this cat has gifted a leaf to their human because obviously, this cat thought their human would just adore the gift being brought into the house.
Just look at those eyes. They're literally saying, "if you don't like this leaf, we're going to have problems."
Sponge!
Not only does this cat look confused, he probably completely forgot where and why he brought home a sponge. And the sponge looks brand new! So, really, who knows where this kitty ventured off to find it.
The human is probably very happy to see the sponge, though. Who can say no to that little face!
Human? I Brought A Leaf
This kitty is holding the leaf as if they brought home a catch for the night's dinner. Is anyone going to tell him that their gift isn't exactly edible?
Probably not, just because those eyes are the eyes of a cat who is very happy with itself and its gift.
"I Found That Report You Left On The Table"
There is nothing quite like having a curious cat. This one just so happened to find what looks like either a report or a nice homework assignment sitting on a table. Clearly, that is the incorrect place for such work.
So, the cat decided to gift their human with the paper. Is "the cat ate my work" a valid excuse?
