Why is my cat leaving her toy in the food dish?

Question

she loves playing with these little fake mice, and lately, i've found them in her food dish.....why?

Answer 1

I think she is leaving you a gift, saying thanks for the grub.

Answer 2

LOL my cat does that to ,but instead of cat toys he puts newspaper rubber bands in the cat food .I say he feels like he has to pay for his food  [in his world its money]. I think it's just a cat thing that will never understand.  it's just really funny  so good luck.!!  :p .s. I don't think it something to thing you worry about.

Answer 3

She feels the mice are her guests and the right thing to do is feed them too!

Answer 4

Better the food dish than the water dish, especially if the water leaches out some of the color.

Probably a phase, and who can really tell what is inside their heads.  Probably everyone who has had a cat has come across their toys in the food or water dish.

And no, I don't think it has anything to do with the idea of stashing it with the food to come back and eat later.

Answer 5

My cat does this all the time, it's adorable! I have read that it's similar to cats in the wild bringing home their prey. Cat's usually feel safe wherever they eat, so your kitty is putting her favorite toys in her food dish for safe-keeping.