But Vikki and Wesley Spencer from Taunton, Somerset, had a big surprise when their cat returned home with an entire, intact bird's nest and a trio of live chicks.
Bella, a five-year-old tortoiseshell, deposited the nest in Vikki and Wesley Spencer's house just before midnight on July 5.
© ApexGiven the bird: The baby goldcrests were brought into the Spencers' home in Somerset by their cat - but remained unharmed
And wildlife experts said they had never come across such an incident before.
Goldcrests are Britain's smallest songbirds and although widespread are not commonly seen.
Vikki of Taunton, Somerset, said: 'The nest just looked like a bit of tumbleweed lying on the floor - we didn't know what it was.
© ApexClever kitty: Bella brought the intact nest into the house and then returned with the other two baby birds
'She looked at Wesley as if to say, 'that's my nest, what are you doing with it?!' I couldn't believe it.'
Vikki placed the nestlings in an airing cupboard overnight to keep the birds warm and took them to RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre near Taunton the next morning.
Peter Venn, manager at RSPCA West Hatch, later said, 'Two of the birds sadly died but one of them is doing very well.
'I've not heard of a cat doing anything like this before but that's not to say it hasn't happened.'
The remaining goldcrest will be cared for at RSPCA West Hatch until it is old enough to be released into the wild.
The goldcrest is the UK's smallest songbird, with adults standing just 9cm high.
These birds are dull green above and buff white below with a distinctive crown shape which is coloured orange and yellow in male birds and entirely yellow in the females.
It is found almost wherever there are trees and bushes, especially conifers.
Until last year I was the proud owner/guardian of four cats. One sadly passed from renal failure however I clearly recall hearing birds tweeting outside one day. I went out the front door and on the front lawn was a tiny little bird obviously a long way from a nest and natural protection.
All four of my cats were sitting about the bird - almost as if to guard it until I came and collected it. I could not believe that four cats, mine or otherwise were not instinctively doing what comes naturally. I ensured the little bird went to appropriately trained people who cared for it and it became an adult and lived a happy bird life....
Animals constantly amaze me I know that is why I love them soooo much.
Much Peace