8 Favorite Things About Cats
|Cats are intelligent creatures with unique preferences and dislikes. Many of the things that cats enjoy are similar to those that humans enjoy, such as delicious food, comfortable napping spots, and engaging activities. However, a cat’s interests may change as they age, so it’s important for their owners to be aware of these changes to keep them content and stimulated. While every cat is different, here are eight general likes that many cats share.
Cats enjoy napping.
Cats have a reputation for being expert nappers and can sleep for up to 16 hours a day. Since they are nocturnal animals, they often spend the majority of the day snoozing in a cozy and comfortable spot. However, it is important to note that the amount of sleep a cat needs may vary depending on their age, breed, and activity level. If you have concerns about your cat’s sleeping habits, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to ensure your feline friend is getting the appropriate amount of rest.
Cats enjoy being groomed and groomed
Did you know that adult cats spend almost half of their waking hours grooming themselves? This activity is an essential part of a cat’s life for several reasons:
- Grooming helps cats stay clean and remove dirt from their coats. It also helps them avoid detection by predators or prey by removing any smells their fur has absorbed.
- Regular grooming helps keep a cat’s skin and coat healthy, hydrated, and shiny. By licking their coats, they distribute oils that are naturally produced by their skin.
- Grooming is a natural way for cats to feel relaxed and reduce stress. It’s like getting a massage!
- Cats groom each other as a way to bond and strengthen their relationships, and you may see them grooming in hard-to-reach places.
- When it’s hot out, cats may lick their fur to dampen it and cool off.
Not all cats enjoy being groomed by their humans, but if yours does, try using a natural bristle or rubber brush to remove any residue and provide a relaxing experience.
Cats Like Fresh, Healthy Food
Just like us, cats don’t want to eat spoiled food. Not only does it taste bad, but it can also harbor harmful bacteria and mold that can make your kitty sick. It’s important to check the expiration dates on both wet and dry cat food to make sure you’re feeding your furry friend fresh and safe meals.
Cats adore flowing water.
Cat owners are likely familiar with their feline’s tendency to drink from running faucets whenever possible. To ensure that cats always have access to fresh, cool running water, there are many cat-specific drinking fountains available.
Some cat breeds may also enjoy playing in water. Owners can provide a small amount of water in a bathtub or kiddie pool during playtime to help their cats get some exercise and cool off during hot weather.
Cats Like Clawing and Scratching
Scratching is a fundamental instinct for cats, as they love to sharpen their claws by clawing different surfaces. Not only does scratching help them sharpen their claws, but it also brings them joy.
Scratching can also help cats relax and rejuvenate. It’s akin to a human’s nice, long stretch when their muscles are tired or achy. A brief scratching session on a scratching post or cat tree can instantly refresh a tired kitty.
Cats enjoy playing every day.
Engaging in playtime is a crucial aspect of a cat’s life, starting from when they are kittens to their senior years. You don’t need fancy toys to keep your cat entertained as they will happily play with anything from a piece of string to a toy mouse. Playtime not only harkens back to their wild instincts when they had to stalk, hunt and capture their prey, but it also ensures that they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
While there are many cat toys available in the market, your cat may also enjoy playing games such as hide and seek. Regardless of your cat’s preferences, it’s crucial to dedicate a few minutes each day to playtime to keep them happy, healthy, and engaged.
Cats enjoy observing birds
It’s a common sight to see cats lounging on windowsills. Why? It’s a great spot for bird watching! Whether cats enjoy watching birds because they’re potential prey or because the movement fascinates them, many cats can spend hours a day watching birds.
If your cat likes to perch by the window, make sure to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays, particularly if they have light-colored fur. Try to limit their time by the window during the sun’s peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and consult with your vet about cat-safe sunscreens.
Cats cherish their owners.
Despite their reputation for being solitary creatures, cats actually crave love, attention, and companionship and often seek it from their humans. However, the ways in which cats express their affection are slightly different from humans.
Cats show their love through actions such as purring, bunting (rubbing their head on you), sleeping on or close to you, meowing, licking, and even presenting their behind to you. These behaviors are all ways that cats communicate their love and affection for their human companions.