A heartwarming story unfolded in Hefei, Anhui, where a stray cat recently melted hearts by “thanking” its feeder with an unusual gift. For over 20 days, the cat had been visiting a local lottery shop for meals, and on May 27, it arrived with a mouse in its mouth, surprising the woman who had been feeding it.
The cat first appeared at the shop in early May, timid but clearly hungry. The owner, Ms. Wang, began leaving out food and water. “It would hide at first, but gradually grew comfortable coming close,” she said. Over time, the cat became a regular, often lounging near the door or greeting customers.
On the morning of May 27, Ms. Wang was shocked when the cat approached her with a mouse clamped in its jaws. “I jumped at first, but then realized it was trying to give me something,” she recalled. Though some might find the gift unexpected, in feline behavior, bringing prey is a sign of trust and affection—cats often share such “gifts” with those they see as part of their group.
“I knew it meant well,” Ms. Wang said, smiling. “It’s like it was saying, ‘Thank you for taking care of me.’” She promptly disposed of the mouse and rewarded the cat with extra treats.
The story quickly spread on local social media, with many praising the cat’s “gratitude.” Veterinarians explained that the behavior stems from cats’ natural hunting instincts and their ability to form emotional bonds with humans. “It’s a primitive form of sharing,” said Dr. Li Wei, a local vet. “This cat clearly sees Ms. Wang as a provider and wants to contribute in its own way.”
For Ms. Wang, the incident deepened her resolve to help strays. “I’ll keep feeding it, and maybe even look into adoption,” she said. “Who knows? Maybe next time, the ‘gift’ will be a winning lottery ticket!”
The tale serves as a charming reminder of the unique bond between humans and cats, where even a simple act of kindness can inspire a most unconventional show of appreciation.
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