16 Things Cats LOVE The MOST!

Cats are simply fascinating creatures! With their independent attitudes and quirky personalities, they're unlike any other animal. 

And just like humans, cats have their own distinct preferences and desires. However, there are things that most kitties simply can't resist! 

So, if you're looking for ways to please your furry friend, here are 16 things that are sure to make your cat purr with delight!

16. Birdwatching

Cats are notorious bird enthusiasts and who can blame them? It's the ultimate form of reality TV – no commercials, just pure nature!

Even indoor cats can enjoy watching birds through a window, and many pet owners install bird feeders or bird baths outside to give their cats a front-row seat to the action.

15. They love to eat well

It's not just about quantity, but also about freshness – who wants to eat stale kibble when you could be munching on a fresh, juicy meal? 

And when they see that empty spot in their food bowl, it's like they're saying, "Hey human, do you see this? This is unacceptable. Fill it up right meow, or face the consequences."

14. They like to be petted

Many cats crave the feeling of being stroked and petted, and it all goes back to their kitten days. Their mama cat would groom and comfort her babies with licks, so petting mimics that same soothing sensation for adult cats.

But if your cat scratches or bites you, it means you just touched a forbidden area.

So next time you go in for a pet, aim for the sweet spots around the lips, chin, cheeks, and base of the tail – the areas that emit more of their scent, helping them feel more connected to you.

13. Playing

Cats may not need to hunt for their food anymore, but their inner tiger still needs a workout. Playing with your feline friend is the purrfect way to give them a simulation of the hunt without any real prey involved.

So go ahead and break out the feather wand or the laser pointer and let the tournament begin! But keep in mind it needs to happen every day so the cat is happy, healthy, and in tip-top shape.

12. They love us!

Believe it or not, cats are social creatures who enjoy the company of humans. They may not want to kiss you as much as an average doggo. Their approach is subtler and includes casual sitting nearby or giving you a gentle headbutt.

Don't let their haughty demeanor trick you – your cat craves your attention and affection just as much as you crave their purrs and snuggles.

11. Knocking things over

Whether it's a cup of water, a pen, or a vase, cats just can't resist the urge to punch it off the table and watch it crash to the ground.

It's a way for them to control their environment and get attention. Plus, let's be honest, it's just fun to watch things fall! So if you want to keep your belongings safe, just remember to keep them out of your cat's reach!

10. Catnip

Say hello to the ultimate source of feline euphoria! It's like a magic potion that turns our kitties into goofy, carefree creatures. They roll around, they rub their faces all over it, they even drool – it's like they've been transported to a whole new world of happiness!

Cats love this magic plant because it contains a compound called nepetalactone. When cats smell or consume catnip, it triggers a response in the brain that can cause them to become euphoric, energetic, and even a bit wacky.

9. Grooming

You may think your cat is just licking themselves all day out of boredom, but according to the experts, they're spending a good chunk of their day on these beauty treatments for a reason.

Think of it like a spa day for your kitty. With the help of their sandpaper tongue, they're getting rid of dirt and tangles on their fur, but also refreshing themselves with a nice coat of saliva.

8. Scratching

It may sound painful to you, but it keeps cat claws healthy and sharp, plus it allows them to stretch and strengthen their muscles. It's also a way for cats to mark their territory and even relieve stress.

To keep your furniture safe and your furry friend fulfilled, be sure to provide plenty of scratching posts throughout your home.

7. Music to Their Ears

Studies have shown that cats experiencing a stressful event, such as a visit to the vet, could be calmed by listening to music specifically made for their sensitive ears.

There are even music albums specifically composed for cats, with soothing sounds. If you're curious about whether your cat enjoys music, you can try playing some calming melodies and observing their reaction.

6. Routine

Their behavior may look erratic, but it has a system. Cats just love their routines, especially at night or early in the morning! So if your cat wakes you up at 2 am for a joint hunting session, it's not just because they want to ruin your sleep.

Cats thrive on consistency which means they want their meals every day at the same time! This cat behavior is also derived – you guessed it – from their wild ancestry.

5. Climbing

These expert climbers have a natural inclination for high places, and they won't hesitate to make themselves at home on your bookshelf or windowsill.

Cats feel most secure when they're perched up high, as it allows them to keep a watchful eye on their territory and keep an eye out for potential threats.

So, if you want to treat your feline friend in accordance with the high life standards, make sure to invest in a cat tree or any climbable furniture. The higher, the better!

4. Boxes

Cats' adoration of boxes also has to do with their wild heritage. A cardboard box provides your feline with a sense of security. Think about it: if you were a wild cat, a small, walled space would look like just the perfect nook for you to hide!

Who doesn't love a cozy hiding spot every now and then? So don't be surprised if your cat spends hours lounging in an empty box just next to their perfectly new $300 cat bed. Predators might not be around, but boxes are here to stay!

3. Sunbathing

Ever wondered why your cat loves to bask in the sun? It's not just to work on their tan. Turns out, cats are experts in thermoregulation – they love soaking up the warmth to keep their body temperature just right. Or maybe a wee bit higher, just in case!

Plus, sunbathing is a great energy saver – why generate heat yourself when you can just chill in a sunbeam? So if you want to make your kitty happy, make sure they have access to a warm spot for their daily sunbathing session.

2. Tap Water

If you've ever noticed your cat's mania for running faucets, you're not alone. Most cats will always choose the tap over their cute little bowl of perfectly clean water, but why?

Taps weren't always around, but it turns out that this love for running water is in feline blood. In the wild, their ancestors preferred running water as cleaner and more trustworthy than stillwater which can harbor bacteria.

1. Cats are sleep aficionados!

Cats seem to have mastered the art of sleeping. They can doze off up to 20 hours a day! But there's a method to such a strong affinity for sleep.

Hunting is in their blood, and chasing prey drains energy. They need to rest up for their next big hunt, which could be anything from a pesky fly to your toes under the blanket!

As you can see, most of the things cats love don’t require too much effort or money, so you can easily make your feline friend happy!