8 Things Your Cat Loves

Cats Love Taking Naps

Whether in a cat house or on your couch, cats undeniably love to sleep. On average, cats sleep for 12 to 16 hours a day! Since cats tend to be more active at night, they nap during the day—and who can blame them? Everyone enjoys a good nap in a cozy spot.

Remember, kittens and senior cats tend to sleep more than adolescent cats. If you're concerned about your cat sleeping too much or too little, consult your vet about what's normal for their breed, age, activity level, and size.

Cats Love Grooming and Being Groomed

Did you know adult cats spend about half of their waking hours grooming? Clearly, it's a significant part of a cat's life! 

Here are a few reasons why cats dedicate so much time to grooming:

1. It keeps them clean. Grooming helps cats remove dirt and grime from their coats and prevents both predators and prey from detecting them by removing absorbed smells.
2. It keeps their skin and coat healthy. Regular grooming disperses natural oils produced by a cat's skin, keeping their coat healthy, shiny, and hydrated. 
3. It relaxes them. Just like a massage can be relaxing for us, grooming helps cats reduce stress and calm down. 
4. It helps them bond with other kitties. Cats groom each other—and their humans—to develop and strengthen their bonds, often grooming each other in hard-to-reach places. 
5. It cools them off. Humans sweat, dogs pant, and cats lick themselves. In hot weather, cats dampen their fur with saliva to cool down. 

Not every cat enjoys being groomed by humans, but if yours does, try using a natural bristle or rubber brush to remove residue from their fur and provide a relaxing experience.

Cats Love Fresh, Nutritious Food

Just like you wouldn't want spoiled food, neither does your cat. Stale food not only tastes bad but can also harbor mold and bacteria such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus.

Always check the expiration dates on both wet and dry cat food before serving. This ensures you're providing fresh, nutritious, and safe meals.

Cats Love Running Water

If you have a cat, you know they'll try to drink water from running faucets whenever the opportunity presents itself. Fortunately, there are tons of drinking fountains—designed especially for cats—so they always have cool, fresh, running water available.

Surprisingly, some cat breeds also enjoy playing in water. If your cat loves splashing, consider filling the bathtub or a kiddie pool with a few inches of water during playtime. This not only provides exercise but also helps them cool off on hot days. 

Cats Love Scratching and Clawing

Cats instinctually sharpen their claws by scratching and clawing different surfaces. They also happen to get a ton of joy from it, too.

Beyond claw sharpening, scratching also relaxes and rejuvenates cats, much like a long stretch when your muscles are tired. A quick session on a cat tree or scratching post can instantly energize a tired kitty. 

Cats Love Daily Playtime

Playtime is crucial for cats, from kittenhood to their senior years. A cat can be entertained by anything from lint to complex toys, making play a vital component of their health and development. It not only mimics their wild instincts of stalking and hunting but also ensures they remain exercised, engaged, and happy. 

There are hundreds of thousands of cat toys available, but your cat may also enjoy games like hide and seek. Regardless of your cat's chosen form of play, it's important to include a few minutes of playtime daily. 

Cats Love Watching Birds

Cats often curl up on windowsills, which are prime bird-watching spots. Whether they watch birds due to their prey instincts or simply because of their mesmerizing movement, many cats spend hours observing them daily. 

If your cat enjoys curling up in windows, ensure their skin is protected from harsh sun rays, particularly if they have light-colored fur. Limit their window time during peak sunlight hours—between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.—and consult your vet about cat-approved sunscreens. 

Cats Love Their Humans

While cats are often described as solitary, they need love, attention, and companionship, especially from their humans. Cats express "I love you" a bit differently than we do. 

Signs your cat loves you include purring, bunting (resting their head on you), sleeping on or near you, rubbing against you, meowing, licking, and even presenting their rear to you. Yes, really.