What Do Cats Like to Do?
When someone asks you, "What do you usually like to do?" you might answer watching TV shows, shopping, or daydreaming. But do you know what your cat at home likes to do the most?
Here are the 8 things cats love to do the most—come check if your furry friend has the same adorable habits!
1. Cats Love Napping
It's no secret that cats love to sleep. On average, they sleep between 12 to 16 hours each day! Since nighttime is their prime hunting time, it makes perfect sense that they use the daytime to catch up on rest.
However, it's important to note that kittens and older cats tend to sleep even longer than adult cats. If you ever feel your cat is sleeping too much or too little, it's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian. They can help you understand what sleep patterns are normal based on your cat's breed, age, activity level, and body size.
2. Cats Love Grooming
Did you know? Adult cats spend about half of their awake time grooming themselves! This shows just how important grooming is to them.
There are several reasons why cats love to groom so much, including:
- Staying clean
- Maintaining healthy skin
- Relieving stress and relaxing
- Building bonds with fellow cats
- Cooling down their bodies
If your feline friend enjoys human help with grooming, try using a natural bristle or rubber brush to gently comb their fur. Not only does this remove dirt, but it also feels incredibly comforting for your cat!
3. Feeding Cats Fresh and Nutritious Food
Cats prefer fresh and nutritious food: just like you wouldn't want to eat a plate of spoiled food, cats certainly won't either. Food that isn't fresh or is expired not only tastes unpleasant but can also harbor mold or harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus.
Before feeding your cat, always check the expiration dates on dry food and canned food to ensure every meal your cat eats is fresh, nutritious, and safe.
4. Cats Like Playing with Flowing Water
Almost every cat owner has seen their cat try to drink directly from a running faucet. Many cats have a particular fondness for flowing water, which is why there are so many pet water fountains designed specifically for cats available on the market today.
Some breeds of cats even enjoy playing with water. If your cat is one of those types, you can put a shallow amount of water in the bathtub to let them play and cool off at the same time.
5. Cats Love Scratching
Cats naturally need to scratch; it's not just about keeping their claws sharp. Scratching is also their way of stretching their muscles and relieving stress. When a cat scratches a scratching post or cat tree, it's similar to how we feel better after stretching when our muscles ache. This simple act instantly refreshes and energizes them.
6. Cats Love to Play
Cats love to play, whether they are kittens or senior cats. Almost every cat enjoys playing very much. Playtime not only awakens their natural hunting instincts from the wild but also helps them stay active and mentally engaged, keeping them happy every day.
No matter what kind of game your cat prefers—whether it's chasing a ball or playing hide-and-seek—setting aside some time each day to play with them is very important.
7. Cats Love Bird Watching
Many cats love to curl up by the window and watch birds closely. The reason behind this behavior might be that birds are their natural prey, or simply because they are attracted to moving objects.
If your cat often enjoys bird watching by the window, it is best to limit their time there during the hours when ultraviolet rays are strongest—between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You can also consult your veterinarian to see if your cat needs to use sunscreen specially formulated for cats.
8. Cats Show Love to Their Owners
Although cats are often described as aloof loners, they also need companionship and affection, and these are what they most want to receive from their owners.
Cats express their love differently from humans. Their ways of showing affection include purring, rubbing their heads against you, sleeping next to you, meowing, licking you, and even presenting their rear towards you. These are all signs that your cat loves you, so never ignore them.
