8 Things Your Cat Enjoys

Since cats are intelligent and sentient beings, they have their own unique set of preferences, which can include a variety of likes and dislikes. Much like humans, cats tend to enjoy certain things such as delicious and fresh food, comfortable nap spots, and engaging activities.

As cats age, their interests can change, and what once brought them joy may become dull or uninteresting. As a responsible cat owner, it’s important to stay attuned to your pet’s changing preferences and ensure they remain happy, healthy, and engaged. While each cat is different, these eight likes are a good starting point for understanding what your feline friend may enjoy.

1- Cats enjoy napping.

Cats are well-known for their love of sleeping, with the average feline sleeping for 12 to 16 hours per day. Due to their nocturnal nature, they tend to spend most of their day dozing away in comfortable, cozy spots. However, it’s worth noting that the amount of sleep a cat needs can vary depending on factors such as their age and activity level. Kittens and senior cats, for example, may need more sleep than adolescent cats. If you have concerns about your cat’s sleeping habits, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine what is normal for your pet’s breed, age, and size.

2- Cats enjoy being groomed and groomed

It may surprise you to learn that adult cats spend approximately half of their waking hours grooming themselves. Grooming is a crucial aspect of a cat’s life for several reasons:

Firstly, grooming keeps them clean. Licking their coats removes dirt and grime, and helps to mask any smells they may have absorbed, which is important for both predator and prey avoidance.

Secondly, grooming is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and fur. It helps to disperse the oils produced by a cat’s skin and fur, which promotes a healthy, shiny, and hydrated coat.

Thirdly, grooming is a relaxing activity for cats, reducing stress and promoting calmness.

Fourthly, grooming is a way for cats to bond with each other and their human companions. Cats often groom each other and their humans in hard-to-reach places, which helps to build and strengthen their relationships.

Finally, grooming can help cats regulate their body temperature. When it’s hot out, cats can dampen their fur with saliva to cool off.

Although not all cats may enjoy being groomed by their human companions, if your cat does, consider using a natural bristle or rubber brush to remove any residue and promote relaxation.

3- Cats Like Fresh, Healthy Food

Like humans, cats wouldn’t want to eat spoiled food. Eating stale or spoiled food not only tastes bad, but it can also harbor various types of bacteria, such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus, and even grow mold.

Therefore, it’s crucial to check the expiration dates of both wet and dry cat food before serving it to your feline friend to ensure that you’re providing her with fresh, nutritious, and safe meals.

4- Cats adore flowing water.

If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably noticed that cats love drinking water from running faucets. Luckily, there are many cat-friendly drinking fountains available that provide clean, fresh, flowing water for your feline friend.

Interestingly, some cat breeds also enjoy playing in the water. If your cat is one of them, consider filling up the bathtub or a kiddie pool with a few inches of water for playtime. This activity can help your cat exercise and cool off on hot days.

5- Cats Like Clawing and Scratching

Scratching is an innate behavior for cats, as it allows them to sharpen their claws and mark their territory. But it’s not just a practical activity for them—cats also find great pleasure in scratching different surfaces.

In addition to helping cats maintain healthy claws, scratching can also be a relaxing and rejuvenating activity. It’s similar to the way humans stretch their muscles after sitting for long periods of time. A quick scratching session on a cat tree or scratching post can help energize a tired kitty and provide some mental stimulation.

6- Cats enjoy playing every day.

Playing is a serious matter for cats, whether they’re kittens or seniors. They can find entertainment in just about anything, from simple objects like lint to more elaborate cat toys, but it’s a crucial aspect of their health and development. Playing hearkens back to their days in the wild when they had to track, hunt, and catch their prey, and it keeps them active, engaged, and content.

While there are numerous cat toys available in the market, your cat may also enjoy interactive games, like hide-and-seek. Regardless of the type of play, it’s vital to include a few minutes of playtime every day.

7- Cats enjoy observing birds

Cats are often spotted lounging on windowsills because it’s the perfect spot for bird watching. Whether it’s the thrill of the hunt or simply the movement that captures their attention, some cats can spend hours peering out the window to observe birds.

However, it’s important to protect your cat from the sun’s harmful UV rays while she enjoys her bird-watching sessions. This is especially important for cats with light-colored fur. Try to limit your cat’s time in the sun during the strongest hours of the day, which are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Additionally, talk to your veterinarian about using sunscreen that is safe for cats.

8- Cats cherish their owners.

While cats are commonly thought of as independent creatures, they still crave and appreciate affection, attention, and companionship from their human caregivers. However, the ways in which cats express love are often different from how humans express it.

Some common signs that your cat loves you include purring, rubbing their head or body against you, sleeping in close proximity to you, meowing, licking, and even presenting their hindquarters to you. Despite how peculiar it may seem to us humans, these behaviors are all ways that cats demonstrate their love and affection towards their human companions.