Cat is freaking me out

[MemoryOfSleep]

So, yesterday morning I found a dead squirrel in the centre of the stone circle patio area in my garden. It was swept into bushes so it could decompose naturally. There were bite marks in it so it was clearly a cat. I presume it may have been my cat, a little jet-black rescue, who has form for killing small rodents and birds but hadn't killed a squirrel before.

Anyway, this morning I can see that the squirrel has been moved back to its position. With it being Halloween yesterday and with myself having watched far too many Halloween TV shows etc. I'm freaking out slightly! Is this normal cat behaviour?

Yes, he brought you a present he obviously thinks you havent seen it or appreciated it enough so he has brought you it again. He is waiting for his thank you.

It's a gift for you. You must be grateful. I got a gift of a barely dead blackbird once place ceremoniously on a school project I was working on upstairs.
My indoor girl brings me gifts of her toys. It's only polite to thank them in some mysterious undefined way that satisfies them.

Oh good. How exactly do I thank her for the squirrel?

You say "Thank you very much Sweetheart. Mummy will put this away for later."

Then double bag and chuck in dustbin (preferably when your cat isn't actually looking).

I found that somewhat neutral behaviour stopped the dead critters being brought in. I also praised the cat for different and unconnected behaviours.

@bellinisurge my friends cats do that. She lines them up outside his bedroom door in the morning. They do go out a bit but fortunately don't hunt!

@Toddlerteaplease it's weird how they have that instinct to get stuff for you that you will obviously like. Such as dead birds, toys, that kind of thing. They are trying to nurture and entertain you.
I will admit to saying "Oh thank you sweetheart for your lovely gift". But that maybe because it isn't a carcass or a still alive creature.