A Cat’s Favorite Things

1 Overview

1. Cats love to sleep

Sleeping is instinct, unchangeable. Cats sleep about twice as long as us – some 16 hours, but three-quarters is light dozing; only ~4 hours is deep. They love day-sleep and night-party – classic nocturnal animals that can drive owners mad.

2. Cats prefer running water

Does your cat hate water? Many owners worry. A cat needs water proportional to its weight; too little leads to urinary disease. Cats are drawn to moving things, so they prefer running water – use a pet fountain or a tapped faucet. But teaching it to turn on the tap is a bad idea; you can guess the mess.

3. Cats love grooming

Grooming is healthy – cats are naturally clean and lick to relax and relieve stress. But over-grooming means swallowed fur, so brush often and offer cat grass or hairball paste.

4. Cats like nutritious, fresh food

Cats choose food by smell – about 200 million scent receptors guide them. They pick fresh, nutritious food. Owners just need a quality food the cat likes, covering daily micronutrients.

5. Cats love to scratch

Is your sofa, curtain or blanket ruined? Scratching is instinct – without it, overgrown claws curl into the paw pads and inflame them. Understand the behavior and redirect to a post or toy.

6. Cats love to play

Owners often have little time, interacting only after work. Though cats are solitary, bonding through play and exercise is essential.

7. Cats love to watch or chase birds

Even well-fed, hunting is feline instinct. Cats are drawn to moving, smaller things – fluttering little birds capture their full attention.

These cover most cats, but each is different – you’ll understand yours only by learning its ways. Once you know your pet’s interests, you’ll live together happily and in harmony.