Cat Stealing My Stuffed Animals!

by Ginger
(Tampa, FL, USA)

I have two cats- Annie (Egyptian Mau Mix) and Bibi (American Shorthair/Tuxedo). I've had Annie since 2003 and Bibi since 2004. Annie came to me as a rescue- she was a momma with two kittens who I took in because the kittens weren't old enough to be away from her and a mean man was trying to give them all away. Bibi came to me as a kitten- about 8 weeks old.

Now, my cats have never exhibited odd behavior. Annie has always been very affectionate, love bites, etc. Bibi wasn't as affectionate to strangers until recently.

Here's the weird thing. I moved into a new apartment after leaving my fiance in December. Since moving here, I've noticed that some of my stuffed animals had been dragged out of boxes and suitcases in my closet and ending up on my living room floor. It started out at once or twice a week, and has gotten to a point when it happens every day. Usually it doesn't happen when I'm home- but only if I leave for a few hours and come back.

I finally caught the culprit tonight and had a good laugh.. it was Annie. She had found a stuffed hedgehog toy I had and while I was in the bedroom I heard her meowing as if she were upset or in heat. (she was spayed over 5 years ago, so I highly doubt she's in heat). I peeked around the corner to find her nuzzling and licking the hedgehog, and softly crying out to it. If I made a sound, she'd turn and give me the "what are you looking at?!" kind of look.

It's almost like she thinks my stuffed animals are dead and she's trying to revive them.... but some of these stuffed animals have been around for as long as she has or longer. She just started doing this with them now.....

Any ideas what my cat's problem is?