Our feline friends often get a bad rep for being fussy or aloof. We think cats are just discerning creatures who know what they like. If you're struggling to know what makes your cat purr, we're here to help! In many cases, your cat will appreciate the same things you do - good sleep, yummy food and fun activities, to name a few. Just like us humans, the things cats find interesting can change as they age, or even day by day. Your cat may love a certain toy one day, but find it boring the next. As a cat paw-rent, it is important to keep an eye on your cats likes and dislikes to keep them happy, healthy and engaged. Although interests can obviously vary from cat to cat, these 5 things are pretty much universally loved by most cats, so they are a great place to start.
Cat Napping
We all know that our moggies love to sleep. But did you know that the average cat sleeps for a whopping 12 to 16 hours a day? Cats are nocturnal by nature, meaning that they tend to snooze most of the day away. Kittens and senior cats will generally spend more time sleeping that an adolescent cat. There are many factors that will affect how much your cat sleeps, including age, breed, size, weight and activity level. Every cat has their own 'normal' when it comes to the amount of sleep they require, but if you're worried that your cat is sleeping too much or too little, you can talk to your vet.
Running Water
You may have noticed that your cat will often try to drink from running taps whenever they are nearby. This is because cats love to drink fresh, running water. Some cats learn to ask for a drink from the taps, but it may be easier to purchase a kitty water fountain. This way they can always have fresh, running water available to them.
Grooming
Did you know adult cats spend approximately half of their waking hours grooming? There are a few reasons that our feline friends dedicate so much time to grooming including to keep themselves clean, keeping their skin healthy and even to help cool themselves off. Other reasons that cats enjoy grooming are because it helps to relax them and also allows them to bond with other kitties. If your cat often licks or tries to groom you, it is because they have a strong bond with you! Not every cat loves to be groomed by their human, but if your cat does enjoy a brush try using a natural bristle or rubber brush to remove any residue from their fur.
Play Time
Cats love to play! From kittenhood to their senior years, cats really appreciate their playtime. Keeping a cat entertained is simple - most cats will play with anything from boxes and bits of string to all their fancy toys. Playing not only keeps your kitty companion entertained, it is also vital for their health and development. Playing allows cats to use their natural instincts such as stalking, hunting and capturing prey. It also keeps them exercised which is especially important for indoor cats. You can find toys that your cat loves but also try playing some games with them like hide and seek. Make sure to play with your cat everyday and switch out toys and activities so that they don't get bored.
Their Humans
Although cats are often thought of as solitary animals, they need love, attention and companionship. Our cats love being with us, they just say "I love you" in their own feline ways. Some signs your cat loves you include purring, headbutting, meowing, licking and even making eye contact with you.