Cats are intelligent and sensitive creatures, each with their own unique preferences. Often, the things cats enjoy are similar to what we humans love—such as fresh, delicious food, cozy spots for long naps, and plenty of engaging activities.

Just like people, a cat’s interests can evolve over time. Your cat might adore a feathered toy one day but lose interest the next. As a responsible cat owner, it’s important to notice these changes in your cat’s preferences to ensure she remains happy, healthy, and stimulated. While each cat is different, these eight common likes are a good starting point.

Cats Enjoy Taking Naps:

It’s well-known that cats love to sleep, often clocking in 12 to 16 hours of sleep each day! Being nocturnal creatures, cats are most active at night, so they spend much of the day napping in cozy spots.

Kittens and senior cats tend to sleep even more than adolescent cats. If you’re concerned about your cat’s sleep patterns—whether too much or too little—consult your vet to understand what’s typical for their breed, age, activity level, and size.

Cats Enjoy Grooming Themselves and Being Groomed:

Did you know that adult cats spend nearly half of their awake time grooming? It’s evidently a crucial aspect of a cat’s life!

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

• It keeps them clean. Grooming helps cats remove dirt and grime from their fur and also makes them less detectable to predators and prey by removing any absorbed odors through licking.
• It maintains their skin and coat health. Frequent grooming distributes the natural oils produced by a cat’s skin and fur, ensuring her coat remains healthy, shiny, and well-hydrated.
• It helps them relax. Just as humans find massages soothing, cats find grooming to be a stress-reliever. Instead of visiting a masseuse, they groom themselves to reduce stress and calm down.
• It helps them bond with other cats. Cats groom each other—and their humans—to build and strengthen their relationships. You’ll often notice cats grooming one another in hard-to-reach areas.
• It helps them cool down. Humans sweat, dogs pant, and cats lick themselves. When it’s extremely hot, cats use saliva to dampen their fur and cool off.

Not all cats enjoy being groomed by humans, but if your cat does, use a natural bristle or rubber brush to groom his fur. It will remove any residue and provide a soothing experience.

Cats Enjoy Fresh, Nutritious Food:

Just as you wouldn’t want to eat spoiled food, neither does your cat. Stale or spoiled food not only tastes unpleasant but can also develop mold or harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Staphylococcus.

Always check the expiration dates on both wet and dry cat food before serving it to ensure your cat is getting fresh, nutritious, and safe meals.

Cats Enjoy Flowing Water:

If you have a cat, you’re probably aware that they’ll often try to drink from running faucets whenever they can. Luckily, there are plenty of cat-specific drinking fountains available that provide a steady supply of cool, fresh, running water.

Some cat breeds even enjoy playing in water. If your cat likes to splash around, consider filling the bathtub or a kiddie pool with a few inches of water during playtime. This can offer her some exercise and help her cool off on hot days.

Cats Enjoy Scratching and Clawing:

Cats naturally sharpen their claws by scratching and clawing at various surfaces, and they find it quite enjoyable.

Besides honing their claws, scratching helps cats relax and rejuvenate, similar to how a good stretch can relieve tired or sore muscles in humans. A brief session on a cat tree or scratching post can quickly energize a sleepy kitty.

Cats Enjoy Daily Playtime:

Playtime is crucial for cats, whether they’re kittens or seniors. They don’t need much to stay entertained—anything from a piece of lint to elaborate cat toys can do the trick. Play is essential for their health and development, reflecting their natural instincts to stalk, hunt, and capture prey. It also helps keep them active, engaged, and content.

While there are countless cat toys available, your cat might also enjoy games like hide and seek. Regardless of their preferred play, it’s important to include a few minutes of playtime each day.

Cats Enjoy Watching Birds:

Cats often curl up on windowsills, and for good reason—it’s a great spot for bird-watching! Whether they’re intrigued by the birds as potential prey or simply fascinated by their movement, some cats can spend hours observing them each day.

If your cat enjoys lounging by the window, make sure to protect her from the sun’s intense rays, particularly if she has light-colored fur. Try to limit her time in direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and consult your vet about safe sunscreens for cats.

Cats Love Their Humans:

Despite their reputation as solitary animals, cats crave love, attention, and companionship, especially from their human caregivers. They express their affection in ways that might differ from ours.

Signs that your cat loves you can include purring, head-butting, sleeping on or near you, rubbing against you, meowing, licking, and even, surprisingly, presenting her rear to you. Yes, that’s a genuine sign of affection.