Why Do Our Pets Bring Us Dead Animals?
If you live with a cat or dog, you've likely gotten one of those surprise "presents" they bring inside- some poor critter picked up out of the wild. But why do pets bring us these animals? Are they showing off, giving you a gift, or is it something entirely different?
Do They Really Bring It To You?
But let's consider before getting into the motives: is this animal really for you? Hum, humans tend to assume that everything their pets do is directed at them. Well, sometimes it just isn't that personal. It's possible your pet was just lodging near you with their "find" because it's a comfortable, familiar spot-not because they wanted to share it with you.
But let's consider before getting into the motives: is this animal really for you? Hum, humans tend to assume that everything their pets do is directed at them. Well, sometimes it just isn't that personal. It's possible your pet was just lodging near you with their "find" because it's a comfortable, familiar spot-not because they wanted to share it with you.
If your dog does seem to be bringing you their catch-be it directly to you, looking at you, or making specific noises-they probably are trying to share. But what drives them to do so?
Knowing Their Drivers
- Did They Catch It?
Cats and dogs, particularly the former, are instinctive hunters and may well continue to hunt and kill small animals long after their owner has fed them adequately. In Australia this has become an important issue, since companion animals are killing thousands of wildlife annually.
- Was It Already Dead?
At times, the animals may already be dead, either prey to birds of prey or accidents from traffic. In such cases, it may just be the opportunist nature of the pets, viewing the discovery as a fascination
- Is It A "Gift"?
In 2015, Queensland researchers noticed that wild dolphins were "gift giving" dead fish to people who fed them through a feeding program. This behavior in many intelligent animals may present play, prey-sharing as a gesture of acquiring a share, or a social bond. Similarly, when our pets bring dead animals to us, it might be a form of expression of their attachment as a way of showing us something important in their world.
What to Do If Your Pet Brings a "Gift"
If your pet has brought you a dead animal, here are a few things you should do:
Eliminate Parasites: Dead animals can carry parasites that could affect both your pet and your household. Routine parasite control helps ensure that any unwanted hitchhikers don't spread.
A Natural Behavior With a Reminder
It can be only part of their nature, sometimes an expression of attachment if our pets bring to us a dead animal. Still reminds us of wild animals and which is a good reason to minimize impact. And through limiting hunting, we can take proper care of pets as well as the environment.
