Why do cats like to eat grass?

Your cat might eat grass for several different reasons. First, it’s instinct! Their ancestors did it (most likely to get rid of parasites), so it has become second nature over the years. Grass is also a sort of laxative or digestive aid for cats because it causes them to vomit. So if they’re munching on grass, they may be trying to get rid of a hairball or relieve their upset stomach. That said, some cats just love the taste! Eating grass is usually a completely normal behavior for cats, but if you notice your kitty doing so excessively, reach out to a veterinarian to rule out any ongoing digestive issues.

Why do cats like to lick their owners?

Grooming is a natural social behavior for cats, and that includes licking. Their mothers licked them, so now they lick you! It can be a sign of affection and bonding, but it also soothes them because grooming releases endorphins. Your cat might also lick you to mark their territory or possibly even comfort you. Additionally, if they learn that licking leads to more pets from you, they might lick to get attention. In some instances, excessive licking can be a sign of anxiety. If you think that’s the case for your beloved feline, reach out to a veterinarian.

Why do cats like catnip?

The reasons cats go crazy for catnip are biological! The main oil in catnip stimulates the part of a cat’s brain that controls emotion and behavior. This same oil also mimics pheromones, which leads to pleasure-seeking behaviors like pawing, licking, chewing, or rubbing against the plant.

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What Do Cats Like? 12 Things Felines Really Love

Your cat may seem mysteriously quirky but their preferences are actually consistent and logical. It all comes down to comfort, security, and a chance to act out their natural instincts.

Whether your cat is taking a long nap in the sun, chasing a ball, or hiding out in a basket, they’re doing it because it makes them feel good in some way. And if you can understand why, you’ll be able to create a home that fulfills your cat’s physical, emotional, and behavioral needs!

This guide offers a look at the most common parts of life cats enjoy, why they love them, and how you can support these preferences so that every day is irresistible for your kitty!

Key Takeaways

Cats are comfort seekers, and most sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day, gravitating toward warm, soft, and quiet spaces.
When cats play, scratch, climb, and hide, they're tapping into their hunting and survival instincts.
Many cats like fresh or moving water, especially when their diet consists of dry food.
Cats thrive on routine, so predictable feed, play, and rest times help them feel safe.
You can help decrease your cat’s stress level by providing access to stimulating environments like vertical space and hiding spots.
Individual cats prefer specific activities based on their age, personality, and lifestyle.

What Do Cats Like?

1) Sleeping and Napping

Adult cats do a whole lot of sleeping, between 12 and 16 hours a day, and kittens and seniors sleep even more. So if you think every time you turn around, your cat is sleeping, you’re probably right! But for good reasons: sleep helps them conserve energy and regulate stress.

Cats are especially fond of snoozing in elevated or hidden spots, which provide them with a sense of safety. Because they’re creatures of habit, you may notice your cat finding one or two favorite places that they return to often.

2) Warmth and Cozy Spaces

Warmth supports muscle relaxation and joint comfort in cats. So in addition to elevated and hidden spots, your cat likely also seeks out places full of sun and warmth.

That one patch of sunlight coming in through your window? Your cat has probably found it! And as the sunlight moves throughout the day, you may see your feline friend move right along with it.

Senior cats may even appreciate spaces warmed by electric heat, like heated or self-warming beds.

3) Daily Playtime

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Cat play looks similar to hunting. Cats love to stalk, stare, and pounce. These activities are familiar to them; they’re deeply embedded instincts.

Your cat may be content to play alone, but you can also join them. Allowing your cat to “catch” a toy is a delight (to them and to you!), and playing together can strengthen your bond.

Cats have short attention spans, so equally short play sessions (5 minutes or less) a few times a day will keep your cat energized and ready for fun!

4) Grooming and Being Groomed

On your cat’s list of favorite pastimes, just below “hours spent sleeping” is “hours spent grooming.” Cats spend a lot of focused time taking care of their coats. Grooming distributes natural oils across their body and gets rid of debris.

Grooming your cat, like engaging in play, can strengthen the bond you share. But remember to be on the lookout for behaviors pointing to overstimulation. If your cat does too much grooming or resists your grooming, they may be overwhelmed.

5) Scratching and Clawing

We don’t have to tell you cats scratch and claw everything! Couches, chairs, tables, you name it. It can be frustrating, for sure. But your cat has good reasons.

Scratching and clawing stretch cats’ muscles and relieve tension. These habits also remove old claw sheaths (like a snake shedding its skin). And did you know cats have scent glands in their paws? They scratch and claw to visually and chemically mark territory, too.

If you can find other surfaces for your cat to scratch, like cardboard or sisal (a strong, durable, biodegradable fiber), they’ll be less likely to ruin the furniture. You’ll be happy, and your cat will be happy, too!

6) Climbing and Elevated Spaces

Remember how cats love elevated spots? Being high up makes them feel safe! Spaces like cat trees and shelves also help them feel in control because they can see so much from their vantage point.

Vertical mobility makes your home seem bigger, which is helpful if you have more than one cat. Ramps are useful, too, especially for older cats who still want that view from above.

7) Hiding and Safe Retreats

When your cat feels stressed or overstimulated, their ambush-predator instinct can kick in, causing them to seek out enclosed spaces. Closets, boxes, and baskets protect on all sides, while also providing a way to keep watch while they rest.

Let your cat hang out until they’re recharged. They know what they need! They’ll come back on their own when they’re ready.

8) Bird Watching

Sitting at the window watching birds is a favorite pastime for lots of cats. The movement and sounds of the birds outside tap into their inherent feline nature: stalking, chasing, and pouncing!

Birdwatching provides mental stimulation for your cat and keeps them from feeling bored. It’s a safe and engaging way for your cat to explore their predatory instincts.

9) Cardboard Boxes

Like other enclosed spaces, cardboard boxes trigger your cat’s wild instincts, not only as a predator, but also as prey. A small four-sided space serves both purposes: your cat is hidden from a predator (your vacuum cleaner?) and keeps a watchful eye on their prey (a feather?).

Cardboard also helps your cat feel secure by insulating their body heat, basically creating their own perfect tiny home, set at just the right temperature.

10) Tasty Meals

Cats are obligate carnivores, so they rely on a steady diet of animal-based protein to give them all the nutrients they need for their health. They love the taste, too. And they especially love the smell! The strong aroma stimulates their appetite and draws them to their food.

Because cats like predictability, it’s a good idea to find feeding times that work for you and then stick to them. Your cat’s anxiety will drop as a result.

11) Fresh Water

In the wild, cats get most of their hydration from prey. Because your cat at home doesn’t have to catch their meals, they don’t have a strong desire to drink water. But water is critical for your cat’s health.

Here are a few creative ideas to make drinking water more appealing:

Offering running water, like fountains
Placing water away from food, mimicking the way food and water are separated in the wild
Setting up multiple water stations to make getting a drink convenient

12) Treats and Rewards

Finally, treats! Cats love crunchy, tasty treats! While you don’t want to give your cat too many of them, they’re useful for reinforcing positive interactions and training choices. And your cat will associate them with you, deepening your connection.

What Cats Like: A Cheat Sheet

Most of the things cats are drawn to center on comfort, instinct, and a feeling of safety. Understanding the “whys” of your cat’s specific behaviors and preferences can help you provide them with perfectly suited enrichment.

This cheat sheet is a quick, helpful way to see the reasons behind your cat’s rituals and routines. Just remember that your cat’s age, health, and personality shape their specific preferences.

What Cats Like	Why It Matters
Sleeping	Energy conservation; physical and mental restoration
Warmth	Body temperature regulation; muscle and joint relaxation
Play	Hunting instinct fulfillment; prevents boredom
Grooming	Coat health; social grooming builds trust
Scratching	Claw health; territorial scent marking
Climbing	Safety and control; reduces multi-cat tension
Hiding	Stress management; ambush-predator instincts
Bird Watching	Mental stimulation; satisfies predatory instincts safely
Cardboard Boxes	Security and warmth; triggers prey and predator instincts
Tasty Food	Nutritional needs; aromas drive appetite
Fresh Water	Hydration; running water mimics natural sources
Treats	Positive reinforcement; strengthens bond with owner

Make the Moments Your Cat Loves Even Better

Making your cat happy is the best feeling! When you truly understand what they enjoy and why, you can create a daily life full of meaning and joy. For both you and your favorite feline.

Whether your cat is sitting on their shelf staring out at the world, hunkering down in a cardboard box, or batting at a toy, their senses are ignited and alive. Top off those experiences with a treat. TEMPTATIONS™ Treats are crafted with irresistible flavors and textures cats crave.

With TEMPTATIONS™ Treats, your cat will keep coming back for more. And more. And More.

Now that you have the scoop on how to take care of a cat, there’s just one more secret that all cat parents know: When you have yummy food and tasty treats, the rest of it is a snap. Your kitty will eat, play, and bond up a storm.

Case in point: TEMPTATIONS™ Lickable Spoons. More than just treats, they’re pure joy on a spoon. Whether you’re rewarding, bonding, or just spoiling them (no judgment), these are the treats that make moments matter. Me-ow!

References

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

All Questions What Do Cats Like? 12 Things Felines Really Love

Why do cats like to eat grass?

Your cat might eat grass for several different reasons. First, it’s instinct! Their ancestors did it (most likely to get rid of parasites), so it has become second nature over the years.

Grass is also a sort of laxative or digestive aid for cats because it causes them to vomit. So if they’re munching on grass, they may be trying to get rid of a hairball or relieve their upset stomach.

That said, some cats just love the taste! Eating grass is usually a completely normal behavior for cats, but if you notice your kitty doing so excessively, reach out to a veterinarian to rule out any ongoing digestive issues.
Why do cats like to lick their owners?

Grooming is a natural social behavior for cats, and that includes licking. Their mothers licked them, so now they lick you! It can be a sign of affection and bonding, but it also soothes them because grooming releases endorphins.

Your cat might also lick you to mark their territory or possibly even comfort you. Additionally, if they learn that licking leads to more pets from you, they might lick to get attention.

In some instances, excessive licking can be a sign of anxiety. If you think that’s the case for your beloved feline, reach out to a veterinarian.
Why do cats like catnip?

The reasons cats go crazy for catnip are biological! The main oil in catnip stimulates the part of a cat’s brain that controls emotion and behavior. This same oil also mimics pheromones, which leads to pleasure-seeking behaviors like pawing, licking, chewing, or rubbing against the plant.

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