* Sharing the bounty: Cats are natural hunters, and bringing prey back to their humans is a way of sharing their kill and offering them a "gift." This behavior likely originates from wild cat mothers bringing back food for their kittens.
* Showing affection: Cats often bring gifts as a way of expressing love and affection for their humans. It's their way of saying "I care about you" and showing appreciation for their care.
* Playing a game: Some cats may bring gifts simply for the fun of it, to engage their humans in a game of "catch and release." This can be especially true with kittens, who are still learning how to hunt.
* Teaching their humans: Cats may bring gifts as a way of showing their humans how to hunt. This can be a form of training, especially for kittens who are still learning the ropes.
* "You're not doing your job": Some experts suggest that a cat might bring a gift if they perceive their human as failing in their role as a hunter. By bringing them prey, the cat may be trying to "teach" their human to hunt better.
It's important to note that not all cats bring gifts, and even those that do may do so for different reasons. Regardless of the reason, bringing gifts is a unique and often endearing behavior that can be seen as a sign of a strong bond between cat and human.