WHAT DO CATS LIKE?
Cats are quite intelligent creatures that are good at being aware of what they like or cause negative emotions. As a rule, a list of the feline’s favorite activities can be compiled based on observations of the behavior of these animals. In this article, you will learn the basic preferences of cats that will help you form a strong and harmonious bond with your furry pet.
Connecting with people
When a cat appears in our life, regardless of its age, we become surrogate parents for it, feline mothers and fathers. Most of us consider cats to be an integral part of our family. This bond with the pet is formed through play, grooming, stroking, and various ways of spending time together.
And although some cat breeds (for example, Bengalis ) do not like to sit on the lap of their owners, they still have a very strong bond with them.
Communication with cats also has significant therapeutic effects in humans. You’ve probably noticed that the presence of a warm purring body next to us has a hypnotic relaxation effect. It is not surprising that the therapeutic features of cats are used for elderly or sick people.
Food
Like many people, cats love to eat good food and snacks between meals. Cat snacks are probably healthier than most of our “junk foods.” However, if there is a problem of overeating, or overfeeding, then the pet’s health can seriously deteriorate.
When it comes to healthy eating, there are three main types of cat food, including:
Fresh or frozen food
In the middle of the 20th century, studies were conducted that confirmed the benefits of raw foods for cats.
Canned food
Canned food is the next best choice for cats after fresh food.
Dry food
In today’s society, when people are absent from work for a long time, raw or canned food can spoil, so dry food is used.
Water
Freshwater is the basis of life on our planet. Cats love cool running water and often drink it directly from the tap. Some cats even play in the water, especially breeds like the Turkish Van. There is nothing wrong with that, and if your cat loves splashing around in the bathtub, you can throw toys in the water to keep your pet entertained.
How much water does a cat need?
About 67% of a cat’s body is water. Dry food contains a minimal amount of water, only about 10%, and cats that constantly eat it definitely need a lot of additional water to maintain the necessary fluid balance in the body. Keep a close eye on the amount of water your cat is drinking as excessive thirst is a symptom of feline diabetes, feline hyperthyroidism, or chronic renal failure. Make sure that there is always clean water in your pet’s bowl.
Sleep
Most cats love to sleep and devote 14–18 hours a day to this activity. This may seem overwhelming to us humans, but it is natural for cats. It seems that for them it is not important when, where, and how to sleep.
Cats also love to wake their owners up at night. These habits are not natural for us and can lead to insomnia.
Games
Play is extremely important for cats. Both kittens and adult cats will be happy to hunt for their prey, be it a toy or a human hand. The game for a cat takes place at the instinct level because, in the wild, representatives of the feline family are forced to chase and kill their prey in order to survive. Toymakers are aware of this and make products that are great for these predators, including toy mice, birds, butterflies, and other “prey,” as well as laser toys to chase the beam of light.
Bird watching
Cats love to watch birds through a window or in a cage. Probably the main reason is that birds are prey and cats are predators. And the sight of a chirping, feathered creature jumping on the windowsill or even on the TV screen will immediately attract the attention of even the most bored and sleepy cat.
Sharpening claws
Scratching objects is one of the basic needs of these animals. As a rule, this happens when the upper shell of the claw peels off, and with the help of scratching it falls off. When cats sharpen their claws, they experience muscle tension and relaxation. This kind of exercise is another reason for the tearing of a sofa or scratching post.
Do you know people who bite their nails when worried or embarrassed? When cats sharpen their claws, they thus calm down when frightened or stressed. Be sure to get some scratching posts that can meet your pet’s natural needs and protect your furniture.
Care
Most cats love to be combed out by their beloved owners. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the pet enjoys this procedure. Some cats, especially those prone to feline hyperesthesia, may run away or show aggression. Therefore, choose your pet grooming tools carefully and watch their reactions so you know when to stop. And as soon as you finish brushing your cat, offer her your favorite treat.
People who love them
Cats love tenderness and affection, especially when their loved one gives attention. If you constantly ignore your pet when he wants attention, then in the future he may ignore you. This is fair play, so keep this in mind the next time your cat refuses your pet. In addition, as with brushing, you need to monitor the pet’s reaction to affection, otherwise, you may become a victim of a little aggression.