Researchers at Utrecht University in the Netherlands have identified a key factor behind what many pet owners recognize as feline kleptomania. Domestic cats sometimes haul away miscellaneous objects and then return with their scavenged treasures, a behavior now better understood thanks to a study reported by a leading Dutch newspaper.
In the study, biologists followed the habits of house cats from around the world. The researchers documented cases where popular companions seized as many as one hundred items in a single month, presenting a striking pattern that invites closer examination of how these animals interact with their surroundings.
One illustrative case is Charlie, a cat from Bristol, United Kingdom, who frequently returns from walks with a collection of plastic toys, clothespins, a rubber duck, cups, cutlery, and other odds and ends. Such nightly forays demonstrate the breadth of objects that can attract a feline’s interest and the persistence with which these items are gathered.
Dusty, a cat living in San Mateo, California, has accumulated more than six hundred thefts. In a single night, Dusty brought home eleven items that did not belong to him, including Crocs, a baseball cap, and even a swimsuit, underscoring the wide variety of objects that can draw a cat’s attention and the intensity of their collecting drive.
Another well-known example comes from Texas, where a cat named Cleo gained online notoriety for stealing computer mice, highlighting how even everyday household tech can become targets for such behavior. These anecdotes help illustrate the spectrum of items that can pique a cat’s curiosity and the practical challenges owners face when managing curious felines.
Experts reviewing documented cases identified several factors that can push pets toward stealing. Since cats have relatively small stomachs, they often conceal their prey within their home territory. This instinct may also explain why cats bring nonfood items indoors, perhaps as a way to reclaim control over resources in their environment or to create a familiar, safe stash for later exploration.
Cats appear to be particularly drawn to certain wool and plastic objects because these materials can harbor lanolin, a natural animal wax that seems especially appealing to their senses. The attraction to texture, scent, and temperature may all play a role in guiding a cat toward specific items that feel satisfying to grab and hold.
Researchers stress that the act of stealing is not intended as a gift for owners. Rather, the behavior seems to reflect an internal drive related to self-benefit and exploration, rather than a wish to please people. This interpretation aligns with observations of how cats explore their surroundings, test boundaries, and pursue novelty in their daily routines.
Earlier studies explored similar patterns in other species, raising questions about why some animals engage in theft more frequently than others. The findings point to a blend of instinct, environmental cues, and individual personality traits that together shape these curious behaviors. These insights contribute to a broader understanding of animal cognition and the ways pets interact with the living spaces they inhabit. (Guard)