If you have a cat that likes to carry around their chew toy and meow, you are probably wondering what’s up with this strange behavior. Most people believe that it is a cat’s way of getting your attention to let you know that it’s time to play. But keep reading as we look to see if there could be any other reason that your cat is behaving this way.
Why Do Cats Carry Toys and Meow?
1. Your Cat Wants to Play
Many people believe that cats carry toys and meow to get their owner’s attention, to let them know that it’s playtime. Cats like attention and often find creative ways to let us know what they’re thinking. Bringing you a toy is usually a clear sign that your cat wants to play.
2. Your Cat Is Expressing Love
Many cat owners know that their cats have a favorite toy. They will usually keep the toy close and even carry it around the house, hiding it to play with it later. If they bring the toy to you, that’s a good sign that they trust you and have deep feelings toward you, especially if there are other people in the home.
3. Your Cat Is Teaching You to Hunt
Cats are strict carnivores that in the wild, spend much of their time hunting prey. Mother cats often bring prey to their kittens to teach them how to hunt. So, your cat might be attempting to follow their instincts and doing the same to you.
4. Your Cat Is Showing Off
Since cats spend much of their lives hunting, it’s natural to believe that they like to show off their catch, which may be why many cats bring their owners a dead mouse that they’ve caught. But if all your cat has is a favorite toy, they may simply be pretending, especially if they’re also running wildly around the house.
5. The Cats Toy Is Broken
Some cats like toys for a specific reason. If the toy is damaged and no longer performs as it used to, your cat might be bringing it to you to show you that it’s broken. Perhaps it used to make a noise or had a string attached to it. If your cat doesn’t usually bring you toys, we recommend looking it over for signs of damage.
6. The Toy Is Empty
Many toys have a spot to fill with catnip or even insert a treat. If your cat is bringing you one of these toys, it might be their way of saying that they want a snack. A hungry cat can be incredibly persistent, and their meowing will get louder if you don’t respond.
7. The Cat Is Lonely
Another reason that your cat might be carrying a toy and meowing is that they are bored and looking for something to do. They might be holding the toy, unsure if they want to play, and meowing out of frustration. If your cat’s meow sounds more stressed than playful, they might not have anything to do, are lonely, and want attention, especially if they are the only cat and you are frequently away from home.
Summary
Many people believe that a cat carries a toy and meows because they want to play, and while this is likely to be the case most of the time, there may be other reasons too. For example, they could be demonstrating their skills as a hunter or even trying to teach you how to hunt. They may even be trying to tell you that the toy needs a replacement or that they’re lonely. Whatever the cause, give them attention and enjoy spending a few minutes together.
Featured Image Credit: Prostock-studio, Shutterstock
