Meet Leonardo da Pinchy, the Cat With a Strange Obsession for Stealing Underwear
Cats are known for bringing home the occasional “gift,” but Leonardo da Pinchy has taken the habit to another level. This 15-month-old Tonkinese from Mairangi Bay, Auckland, doesn’t stalk birds or rodents; he prowls the neighborhood for laundry.
His owner, Helen North, has spent plenty of time returning his loot through neighborhood groups. What started as a few awkward apologies has now turned into an ongoing community story, with Leo’s thieving ways making him both a local nuisance and a source of endless amusement.
Leo’s Habit Began When He First Explored Outdoors
@itvnews A cat named Leonardo da Pinchy has become a well-known thief in New Zealand after gaining a reputation for stealing underwear and socks from homes around his local neighbourhood. #itvnews ♬ original sound – itvnews
Helen North noticed this habit soon after Leo was allowed outside. At first, he dragged in small things like single socks, but he quickly escalated to larger and more expensive clothing. He once arrived with a $300 NZD cashmere sweater still bearing its tags, an event that prompted his daughter to call her at work in alarm. Since then, he has made a daily practice of carrying belongings through the cat door.
On a record setting day he brought home nine separate pieces, which included baby clothes, men’s activewear, and underwear. Helen’s description shows a pattern: he seeks pieces that belong to others, especially clothing with strong scents. This timeline reveals how his kleptomania developed gradually after gaining outdoor access.
His Targets Show a Clear Preference for Certain Items
Leo demonstrates consistent preferences in the items he collects. Thick men’s work socks, silk boxers, and wool garments make up most of his hauls, often with the clothespins still attached. He also steals sports jerseys, gardening gloves, activewear, hats, shorts, and sports bras.
The oddest addition to his stash so far has been a five-foot stuffed snake, which joined piles of socks and underwear already at his home. Helen reports that he even brought home a jersey early one morning before local shops had opened. This behavior points to a mix of instinctive hunting habits and curiosity about human objects.
By focusing on soft, worn, or expensive materials, Leo behaves like a collector with specific tastes rather than a cat acting randomly. His pattern has produced dozens of unclaimed objects, which gives his living room the look of a lost property office rather than a family home.
Why Cats Bring Objects to Their Owners
Image via iStockphoto/Sena Yiğiter
Leo’s actions, though embarrassing for Helen, are not unusual in the wider sense of cat habits. Many cats deliver things to their caregivers because it mirrors instincts that trace back to their ancestors. In the wild, mothers returned with prey to feed kittens or to teach them survival skills.
Domestic cats continue this tendency, but instead of animals, they often bring socks, toys, or other objects. Experts explain that cats see the home as their secure territory, so they carry finds there for safety or sharing. Some interpret the behavior as social bonding, where cats treat their humans as part of their group. Some people also suggest that it can be attention-seeking, since reactions—positive or negative—encourage repetition.
Owners often assume these objects are gifts, but they can also represent a mix of hunting drive, play, and curiosity.