why does my cat growl at feather toys?

Question

I have 2 male cats that are about 6 years old. Whenever I get feather toys, one of them will put the feathers in his mouth and refuse to let go, all while growling. If I try to take the toy away, he will put his foot on my hand as if to warn me not to touch it. My other cat doesn't act this way at all. Can anyone tell me why the one cat growls and won't let go of his toy?

Update:

I will add this. He is neutered, he's never been outside and I've had him since he was 9 weeks old. I don't know if that makes any difference or not.

? · Accepted Answer

He has a stronger prey drive than the other one does. To his mind, it's his kill and he's defending it.

Consider yourself lucky that he only growls and places a paw on you. Some cats can and will actually lash out at you.

@Additional - It doesn't. Some cats have stronger instincts than others. Or it's just his personality. He may be more driven than other cats. More competitive.

? · Answer

he's just being a male cat and playing
its in cats instincts so thir is noting to worry about
he's just playing in his way solet him
my female cat also loves to play with feathers and its just playing
he doesn't hurt you either and the growling is just his way of showing his power

plus i wanted to add that you should take him outside
in the lawn or garden for some fun and fresh air
you could take him outside yourself and keep an eye on him because cats need to go outside once in a while
don't make it a habit but once or twice a week should do
take both your cats outside one at a time
because if cats get stomach aches then eating grass (if they want to) and some fresh air okay

Blackcat · Answer

Its his hunting instincts emerging i know its a toy and he realises its not real when he approaches but once he gets the feel of the feathers then its like the hunting instincts kick in,so with the feel of them in his mouth it becomes so real to him so of course he is not wanting to let go of them for anyone,

some cats are much more driven to hunt than others and i see he is one of those cats who likes to hunt more than the average domestic cat,while we make pets out of them we rarely see the natural behaviour surface that is until something triggers it off and its like"wow amazement"so he is just more driven than the others to hunt.

J C · Answer

Some cats have a strong prey drive, and many of these react very strongly to toys with fur or feathers.  You have one of those - and this is a behavior that neutering won't "remove".  Not to worry, as he'll protect you from any stray mice or birds that find their way into your house :)

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why does my cat growl at feather toys?

4 Answers