If you’ve ever found your cat proudly carrying a sock, hair tie, or even your favourite pen across the house, you’re not alone. Many cat owners have stories about their feline “kleptomaniacs” who seem determined to collect random treasures.
But what’s really going on in your cat’s mind when they turn into a tiny thief?
🧠 Why Cats “Steal”
To us, it might look like mischief, but to your cat, it’s instinct. Cats are natural hunters, and even the most pampered indoor feline still has strong predatory drives. When there’s no real prey to chase, they’ll find creative ways to act out those instincts, and sometimes, that means “catching” household items instead.
Items like socks, toys, or small objects often resemble prey in size, weight, or texture. A cat might bat them around, toss them into the air, or carry them proudly from room to room, mimicking the capture and transport of a successful hunt.
✅ Fun fact: Some female cats are more prone to this behaviour because it taps into their maternal instinct, carrying and moving objects as they would a litter of kittens.
🌙 Why It Happens at Night
Ever notice your cat’s “crime spree” tends to happen after dark? That’s no coincidence.
Most cats are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk, prime hunting hours in the wild. So when you’re fast asleep, your cat may be “on the prowl,” carrying out stealthy sock heists or toy hunts under the cover of night.
🎤 The Mystery of the “Wailing Meow”
If your cat proudly announces their “catch” with a long, wobbly “oooh-wow” sound, they’re not just showing off, they’re communicating success!
This distinctive cry may mimic the vocalisations a cat uses when bringing prey (or kittens) to safety. In the not-so-distant past, humans valued cats for their hunting prowess, so vocalising after a “catch” may have helped them earn praise or a tasty reward.
💬 What Should You Do About It?
In the moment:
🐾If you don’t mind it: Offer gentle praise or a fuss. This reinforces your bond and lets them express their natural behaviour safely.
🚫If you’d prefer they stop: Simply ignore the behaviour. Don’t tell them off, your cat isn’t misbehaving, they’re just being a cat. Punishment can cause confusion or stress, which may lead to other unwanted behaviours.
In the long term:
🧶Provide hunting-style play: Give your cat a positive outlet for their instincts with toys they can chase and “capture.” Wand toys, kickers, and puzzle feeders are great options.
🧦Create cat-safe “targets”: Donate an old pair of socks and make them more appealing with a sprinkle of catnip.
🧺Reduce temptation: Keep laundry, hair ties, and small items out of reach.
✅ Pro tip: Short, daily play sessions that mimic hunting, stalking, chasing, catching, eating, grooming, and sleeping can satisfy your cat’s predatory cycle, reducing nighttime activity and “theft.”
❤️ The Function Behind the Fun ❤️
Ultimately, cats are programmed to carry two things by mouth: kittens and prey.
When they bring your belongings into a safe space, perhaps even to your feet, they may be showing affection, trust, and their natural urge to nurture or protect.
So next time your cat steals your socks, take it as a compliment. They’re showing you they feel at home, confident, and loved enough to share their “catch” with you.
At The Sheffield Cats Shelter, we’ve been helping cats and kittens find loving homes since 1897. Alongside rehoming, we’re passionate about educating cat owners and celebrating the amazing quirks that make every feline unique.
When you understand your cat’s behaviour, you can give them the happiest life possible, and that’s something worth purring about.
