Are you looking to become the ultimate cat parent?
It’s high time you had a profound and clear understanding of what cats love! Doing things they love, like creating an environment that meets their needs and wants, will make you a better owner in the long run.
Cats love many things, from cozy bedding to interactive toys and sunbathing spots. Here are 20 things that cats love most that you should know:
1. Catnap heaven
For cats, napping is a hobby and a way of life. These felines are expert nappers and can spend up to 16 hours a day napping. But it’s not just about the quantity of sleep but also the quality. As cat parents, it’s our job to make sure that our furry friends have a place to sleep that is comfortable and inviting. To make a catnap paradise for your feline friend, you don’t just need to give them a comfy bed or blanket. It would be best if you also created the right atmosphere for them to rest and recharge. Imagine a cozy bed, nestled in a sunny spot, with a soft blanket and a few of their favorite toys nearby. The perfect place for your cat to unwind and recharge. It’s not just about the physical space but also about creating the right atmosphere.
2. Catnip and other plants
Catnip is not just a treat for cats but also an experience that can be both enjoyable and exciting for them. But did you know that other plants elicit similar reactions in some felines? Valerian root, honeysuckle, and silver vine are just a few examples of plants that can drive your cat wild with pleasure. Not only do these plants provide a fun and stimulating experience for your cat, but they have also been known to have a calming effect.
3. Whisker bliss
Cats’ whiskers are an essential part of their survival toolkit. These sensitive appendages help them navigate their environment and locate potential prey. But as cat parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure that their whiskers are not harmed or bent in any way. That’s why it’s essential to provide your cat with a location where they can quickly move their whiskers without risking any damage. This could be a vast open space or a designated area where your cat can explore and play without obstacles.
4. Food-motivated work
Cats are born to hunt. They love using their natural skills to find and catch their food. But as indoor cats, they may not have many opportunities to do some hunting. That’s why giving them food-driven ways to satisfy their natural hunting urges is essential. You can keep your cat mentally and physically active by providing puzzle feeders, hiding treats around the house, or even teaching them tricks in exchange for food. It’s a fun and interactive way for your cat to stay active and engaged while satisfying their natural hunting instincts.
5. Stimulating surroundings
Cats are naturally curious animals that do best in places that stimulate their minds and bodies. Providing your cat with climbing structures, scratching posts, interactive toys, and windows that give a glimpse of the outside world can help keep them mentally and physically active. Your cat can explore and play in these places, which keeps its mind and body busy.
6. You!
Cats can form strong emotional bonds with the humans who care for them. As a cat parent, you can strengthen these bonds by giving your cat opportunities to meet new people, get affection, and have fun. Some ways to do this are to spend quality time together, play games, and give your pet regular grooming and petting sessions. Giving your cat your full attention, love, and affection is vital if you want to form a strong bond with your furry friend. You must show your cat that you care about their well-being and happiness through daily interactions, playtime, and affectionate gestures. This will strengthen the bond between you and your feline friend. It’s important to remember that every cat is different and may have unique preferences regarding time, affection, and attention. You can have a close and loving relationship with your cat if you know what it needs and give it what it wants.
7. Being on a high perch
Many cats enjoy sitting in a position where they have a commanding view of their environment and can do so safely. A cat tree, a window perch, or even a high shelf can provide this opportunity. Cats in a high spot can look around and watch for potential prey or dangers. It also gives them a sense of security and a feeling of dominance, which is something that many cats enjoy.
8. Sunbathing
For many cats, sunbathing is a favorite pastime that feels great and benefits their health. Whether lounging on a windowsill, soaking up rays in the garden, or stretching out on a cozy blanket, cats love basking in the sun’s warmth. Providing your cat with a sunny spot to relax is a simple yet effective way to keep them happy and healthy. Sunbathing can help cats regulate body temperature, boost mood, and even improve skin and coat health. As a cat parent, it’s essential to ensure your cat has access to a sunny spot where it can relax and soak up the sun’s rays. This can be as easy as opening a window or putting up a cat-safe window perch or as complicated as making your garden a cat-friendly space. Additionally, giving your cat time, affection, and attention while they enjoy sunbathing will help create a stronger bond between you and your cat.
9. Hiding in cardboard boxes
There’s something about cardboard boxes that cats can’t resist. Whether small or large, cats love hiding in tight spaces and feeling secure. This natural urge can be satisfied by giving your cat places to hide, like cardboard boxes or cozy nooks. Not only will they love it, but it will also provide them with a sense of comfort and safety.
10. Scratching everything
Scratching is a natural thing for cats to do because it helps them keep their claws healthy and sharp. Keep your cat happy by providing them with various scratching surfaces. This could be a scratching post, a piece of cardboard, or even a particular spot on your furniture. You can help your cat satisfy their instincts and keep their claws healthy by giving them a place to slash.
11. Socialization
Socialization is essential in a cat’s life because it helps them make good friends and become well-adjusted. Cats are naturally social animals and do best in places where they can have friends and play with other animals. This can happen when other cats are around or when the cat interacts with people. When cats are socialized when they are young, they learn how to handle social situations, make healthy bonds, and develop essential communication skills. This can lead to a happier and more fulfilled life for your feline companion. It is important to note that socialization should not be limited to the kitten stage but rather be a continuous process throughout the cat’s life.
12. Gentle nibbling
Cats naturally desire to nibble and chew on things, resulting from their evolutionary history as hunters. Some cats enjoy chewing on grass or leaves, while others prefer to bite on other things. This is a natural thing for them, and it’s good for their health because it helps them clean their teeth and digest food. As cat owners, we can give our cats plants that are safe to eat and will satisfy their need to nibble. This can be achieved by placing plants like wheatgrass, catnip, or oat grass in a designated house area. Not only will it provide your cat with a source of entertainment, but it will also provide them with the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy.
13. Hunting
Cats are born hunters; their instincts drive them to pursue and take down prey. This behavior is natural and beneficial for their overall health and well-being. Laser pointers or toys that look like fishing poles are interactive toys that can fill this fundamental need. These toys move like their prey, making it feel like your cat is hunting. Additionally, one can also teach their cat to hunt for treats. This can be done by hiding treats in different areas of the house and encouraging your cat to use its hunting skills to find them. This provides a fun and engaging experience for your cat and provides them with the physical and mental stimulation they need to stay healthy.
14. Being brushed and groomed
Regularly grooming your cat is the best way to keep its coat healthy and reduce how much hair it loses. Not only does brushing and grooming help eliminate loose fur and dirt, but it also improves circulation and gives you and your furry friend a chance to bond. Some cats even enjoy the social interaction that comes with handling and grooming, especially from the people who care for them. Not only does grooming help to keep your cat looking and feeling great, but it also helps to strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
15. Safe and comfortable living space
Creating a safe and comfortable living space for your cat is crucial to its well-being. A cat’s ideal living space is safe, well-ventilated, and big enough to move around and do the things that come naturally to it. This may include hiding places for the cat, scratching posts, and toys. Providing your cat with a comfortable and stimulating living space improves its physical health. Also, it helps to promote emotional and mental well-being.
16. Having a clean litter box
Maintaining a clean litter box can improve a cat’s overall health and well-being. A dirty litter box can lead to health problems. Unpleasant odors can cause your cat to avoid using it altogether. You should maintain a regular cleaning schedule for the litter box and store it in a spot that is out of the way but easily accessible. Keeping your cat’s litter box clean and well-kept keeps your home smelling good, encourages good hygiene, and keeps your cat healthy. A clean litter box is essential for the cat and the people who live with it.
17. Fun times with toys
Playtime is essential for cats because it helps them get physical exercise and keeps their minds active. Interactive toys such as balls, feather wands, and puzzles are a great way to keep your cat entertained and engaged. Playing with your cat not only helps to strengthen your bond with them but also helps to keep them mentally and physically healthy. Interactive toys that mimic prey, such as a laser pointer or a toy on a string, can also be a great way to tap into their natural hunting instincts. It also provides them with a good workout.
18. Cozy bedding
Cats love to sleep, and the environment in which they sleep and rest is essential for their well-being. A warm and inviting bed, a cozy blanket, or a sunny spot in the house are all great options for your cat to rest and sleep. By providing your cat with different options, they can pick the best location for them. A comfortable sleeping area not only helps to keep your cat physically healthy but also helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
19. Special treats
Treats are a great way to strengthen your bond with your cat and reward them for good behavior. Treats can be formulated with kibble, pouches of moist food, or even homemade goodies. It’s important to remember that treats should only be given in small amounts and not be a regular part of their diet. Feeding your cat some healthy treats is a great way to show them that you care and provide them with a tasty reward.
20. Relief from parasites and disease
For a cat’s health and well-being, it needs regular checkups with a vet, vaccinations, and protection against parasites. This means giving them medicine for worms, keeping fleas and ticks away, and taking them to the vet regularly to ensure they don’t have any infections or illnesses. It’s essential to keep their environment clean and safe to stop diseases and parasites from spreading. Regular checkups and vaccinations are necessary for your cat’s health. They help you find problems early and give you peace of mind as a pet owner.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what cats love can make you a better owner and help you provide your pet with a high quality of life. From interactive toys to cozy bedding, from special treats to regular health checkups, there are many ways to show your cat that you care. As a good cat owner, you should ensure your pet has everything it needs to be happy and healthy. You can ensure that your furry friend is happy, healthy, and well-loved by understanding what cats love. You should provide them with plenty of fun, affection, and relaxation opportunities. So give your cat the life they deserve, and watch as they purr with contentment.
Further Reading
