Feline Behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett is the author of a number of award-winning and critically acclaimed books, including Think Like a Cat and Psycho Kitty. The innovative methods described in all her books are based on Pam's unique way of training by actually understanding the way a cat thinks. She makes numerous television appearances including CNN, Fox News Channel, and National Geographic specials, as well as being a popular guest on many nationally syndicated radio programs. She is now considered to be one of the leading experts on feline behavior.

Q: Ever since she was a few months old, my dark calico indoor cat, Lizzie, has had two favorite toys -- hair scrunchies -- that I play toss with her. She chooses these over any other toy in the apartment. Every morning when I go to the kitchen to feed her, or when I come home from work at night, I find one or both of these scrunchies by or in her food dishes. Why does she do this? What is she trying to tell me?

A: She's not trying to tell you anything, other than the fact that she's a perfectly normal, playful cat. It's very common for a cat to deposit a favorite toy in or near the food or water bowls. After "capturing" her prey, Lizzie is bringing it to the feeding station. Since the hair scrunchie isn't real prey, she probably drops the toy there and enjoys a few nibbles of her cat food as a reward for a hunting job well done.

At least you know Lizzie is enjoying some solo playtime while you're at work. You may even want to increase her enjoyment by hiding some extra toys (or hair scrunchies) in various places around the house for her to discover.