Since cats are intelligent, sentient beings, they could have quite a long list of things they love. In most cases, what our purring companions enjoy is exactly what we do too – like fresh, delicious food, long naps in cozy places, or lots of fun activities.

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As cat owners, it's our job to notice what our cat enjoys, when their preferences change, so they can stay happy, healthy, and well-balanced. While each cat has their own unique personality, in this article you’ll discover eight ways we've found that show signs of “kitty love.”

Cats love to sleep, whether alone or with their human

Here are the things cats love

1.) Cats love to nap

Whether it’s in a cat cave or on the couch, it’s no secret that our little friends’ favorite pastime is sleeping. An average cat spends 12–18 hours a day sleeping, as they are often more active at night, so they snooze through much of the day. Who wouldn’t enjoy a long, comfy nap in a soft spot? Let’s not forget that kittens and senior cats sleep even more than young adult ones. If you're ever concerned about your cat sleeping too much or too little, be sure to talk to a vet.

2.) Cats love grooming

It may sound unbelievable, but adult cats spend about half of their waking hours grooming themselves!

Grooming is especially important for several reasons:

• It keeps them clean: removing dirt and masking their scent from predators or prey.
• It keeps skin and fur healthy: distributing natural oils evenly results in shiny, hydrated fur.
• It relaxes them: similar to a good massage for us.
• It builds bonds: cats groom each other to strengthen their relationships, and they may also do this with their humans.
• It cools t.hem down: unlike us who sweat, or dogs who pant, cats cool themselves through licking.

Cats also like to clean each other

3.) Cats love fresh, nutritious food

Just like we wouldn’t eat spoiled leftovers, cats aren’t fans of stale or expired food either – and spoiled food can grow mold or dangerous bacteria like salmonella or staphylococcus. Always check the expiration date of both wet and dry food to make sure your purring friend gets only safe, fresh meals.

4.) Cats love running water

Some cats love drinking from the tap – and that’s something you can support! There are cat-specific drinking fountains available that offer fresh, cool, flowing water at all times. Some cats even enjoy playing with water. If your kitty is one of them, fill the bathtub or a small pool with a few centimeters of water and let them splash!

In the case of drinking fountains, cats always have fresh, running water available

5.) Cats love scratching

This is an instinctive behavior – not only does it sharpen their claws, but it also relaxes them. For cats, a good scratch is like a good stretch for us. A quick scratch on a post can instantly refresh them.

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The scratching activity of cats not only serves to sharpen their claws, but also to relax

6.) Cats enjoy daily playtime

Play is essential at every life stage, not just during kittenhood. Whatever the game, it reminds them of hunting, keeps their minds sharp, and makes them happy. Expensive toys aren't necessary – even a simple game of hide and seek can be perfect. The key is spending quality time with them every day.

7.) Cats love watching birds

It’s no coincidence they love lounging on windowsills – it's prime bird-watching territory. Whether they observe like a hunter or are just captivated by movement, they can watch chirping birds for hours. But if your kitty spends a lot of time by the window, be mindful of sun exposure – especially for light-colored cats. Try to limit sunbathing between 10 AM and 4 PM, or ask your vet for advice on cat-safe sunscreen products.