Guy pities neighbor's orange cat and gives him some chicken, the cat keeps hissterically returning with stolen items to trade for treats: 'Today, he brought me a sponge'

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Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Mar 12, 2026 11:00 AM EDT

He now runs what we like to call the "underground orange market".

If dogs are the paladins of the pet world, then cats are the rogues. They're naturally shady, can sneak into nearly any location, and you never see them coming. They can pick any lock and steal any treasure. Not only can they do it, but they like doing it. There's a reason why there's a term called "cat burglars". We have to imagine that the person who coined that term didn't just name them that because they didn't like cats.

And the best part yet is that cats can be trained to steal, although it's usually done unintentionally. If you've ever owned a feline or two, you've probably expurrienced them leaving "gifts" for you. These gifts can be anything from leaves they hunted to rodents, to random pieces of garbage they found. Cats basically think that we hoomans are giant, dumb cats who don't know how to hunt, so sometimes they bring back presents to share with us so we don't starve.

Well, one neighborhood orange cat started to take this concept to the extreme (as most oranges do). After a friendly fellow fed him a piece of chicken, the cat started leaving him gifts in order to get more chicken. These weren't your average gifts. Apparently, he even brought him a full granola bar and a sponge to trade for some chicken. 

Whether he liked it or not, he's now running a mini "orange" market where he gets people's stolen goods for a morsel of chicken. Will he use his new powers for good or for evil? We guess you'll find out below.

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  • 01
    Cat stealing a fish including 'I accidentally trained my neighbor's cat to rob me'
    via KHellon

    Cat stealing a fish

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    So I don't own a cat. This is important. About three months ago, my neighbor's orange cat started visiting my apartment window. At first he'd just sit there and stare at me like I owed him money. Eventually I felt bad and gave him a tiny piece of chicken.
    via Ok_Hand1057
  • 03
    Big mistake. Now he shows up every single day like he's clocking into a job. But the weird part started last week.
    via Ok_Hand1057
  • 04
    Cute stray orange tabby cat
    via Aflo images

    Cute stray orange tabby cat

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 05
    I noticed small random items appearing on my balcony. At first it was a bottle cap. Then a sock. Then a pen. I assumed the wind was just being chaotic.
    via Ok_Hand1057
  • 06
    Yesterday the cat shows up again. I open the window and he proudly drops... a full unopened granola bar at my feet. This cat looked extremely proud of himself.
    via Ok_Hand1057
  • 07
    Cat Smelling Food at Grill Party
    via halfpoint

    Cat Smelling Food at Grill Party

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 08
    That's when it hit me. This dude thinks we're trading. Food for stolen goods.
    via Ok_Hand1057

  • They say that cats aren't easily trainable, but we disagree. The approach needed to train a cat is just very different than the one to train a dog. A cat will do almost anything for a high-value treat, so you have to use it wisely and be very patient. Chicken is considered a high-value treat, and some cats will go to great lengths to get even a tiny taste. The key is that it has to be something very desirable to them, and you have to make the action worth their while. So, high-value reward + valuable action = a training yes for cats.

  • 09
    So apparently I have accidentally created a tiny orange criminal who commits neighborhood burglaries in exchange for chicken. I am now running what appears to be the world's smallest and least efficient black market.
    via Ok_Hand1057
  • 10
    Today he brought me a sponge. I don't even know who he robbed for that.
    via Ok_Hand1057
  • 11
    Prestigious_Leg2229 See if you can teach it specific objects and help it understand that some specific things net better food rewards. Then use that system to train it to steal socks. Be the evil you want to see in the world.
    via Prestigious_Leg2229
  • 12
    Sithstress_ Ngl I would be making that kitty gourmet meals. Lol. Or, you know, Temptations or something if I was being lazy. . You must continue this and keep us posted!
    via Sithstress_
  • 13
    Sunny-D in I really enjoyed this! Yes, kitty is bringing you presents Please don't be upset if it brings you a mouse, that's actually quite an honor. Yes, kitty is proud of their gifts for you! I love your relationship❤❤
    via Sunny-D*mn
  • 14
    SailorMom1976 Not trained for socks! But I agree,make YouTube shorts daily & you could start making money eventually, also we all just want to see what he brings next!!! cats are criminals from birth, you didn't really make him a thief, just gave him a good reason>
    via SailorMom1976
  • 15
    lithiumrev orange cat energy to the nth degree.
    via lithiumrev
  • 16
    Striders_aglet When he brings you money, give him extra chicken. Profit!
    via Striders_aglet

  • If we had a cat that would steal for us, we would obviously work on getting him to steal money. He would be a literal cat burglar, and no one would ever know!

  • 17
    Hagabar I had an orange gift cat in the past his offerings were always the heads of whatever rodents he captured. Left on my door mat.
    via Hagabar
  • 18
    barbarawick This is why I have 2 cats! They are smart and hilarious. My house would be so dull without them.
    via barbarawick
  • 19
    PeachImpressive319 Start a Facebook or WhatsApp group with the neighbourhood telling them where to claim their items that were brought to you by a four legged thief.
    via PeachImpressive319
  • 20
    D Shooter61 Gotta train it to find money and jewelry. I've heard of crows being trained to perform. Time to add chicken and tuna to your grocery list.
    via Shooter61
  • 21
    alittlepizza He loves you! Like, you're an ok hunter since you shared food one time but not every time! You lucky duck!
    via alittlepizza

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neighbors treats chicken stealing funny cats orange cats trade hissterical Cats animals
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