why do cats always leave rats/birds/possums on the doorstep?

Because irresponsible pet owners let them free roam outdoors. Cats hunt for sport - not for food - and can quickly eliminate entire species in their surroundings.

Move the cat indoors where it belongs. It'll be safer for the cat - and all the poor animals he's killing.

It's usually a present or food for you, but not 100% of the time!

A very long time ago, my mom refused to go anywhere near her room because there was a mouse there. She left, and when she came home the cat (who usually devoured such things) had left the mouse dead but otherwise untouched on the middle of her pillow, kind of like a "you're safe now!"

Our neighbours had a cat who loved to hunt, but hated the cold. In the winter, he would catch mice but not kill them, and try to sneak in the house without the people seeing what he had. A few times he managed it, and basically dropped them in the house where he could then hunt them at his leisure in the warmth.

One of my cats brings back "presents" for the dog and drops it in front of him, but he's not interested in anything that small.

Returning with the kill from the hunt is their way of proudly bringing back a gift to their guardian. Normally, cats see us as a parent figure, but when they present gifts of prey, they see us as their kittens. Accept the gift graciously and properly dispose of it.

Some people say their cat's are leaving them "gifts" kind of like their cat saying "Look at what caught! i'm so awesome! look at it!"

But otherwise I don't really see it that way. Im more so assuming it's probably more like a "toy" they got bored with because it stopped moving. So they leave it some where convenient in hopes of playing with it again.

it's their way of contributing, or leaving something for you, as i have read. i have a 2 year old cat and he's never done that though, and the kitten is too small to try it

As a gift, or offereing, to you. To show you that they love you and "look, I've brought you something yummy for you to eat!"

This is what the vet told me, anyway... -john in Iowa

its just their way of saying here you give me sooo much i have a present for you too my cat does it sometimes too.

This is no joke (i swear)

Your cat loves you and all it means is that he or she is bringing you that as an offering. It's a gift from them.

Really this is no joke.

Because he/she is trying to prove his/her worth. To the cat it is a trophy..you're supposed to be proud.

They are showing you what a good provider they are and that they are of value to have around.