5 Things Every Cat Loves (And What They Tell You)

Cats have this unfair reputation for being cold and indifferent. We hear it constantly at our store in Gachibowli — people walk in and say, "I want a pet but cats don't really care about you, right?" Wrong. Completely wrong. Cats care deeply, they just show it differently. Once you understand what your cat genuinely enjoys, the whole relationship shifts. You stop second-guessing them and start actually connecting.

Here's what we've observed — from the cats our customers bring in for grooming, to the ones our team keeps at home — about what cats truly love doing, and what each behaviour is actually telling you.

Why does my cat sleep so much during the day?

If your cat is napping at 2 PM while you're on a work call, that's not laziness — that's biology. Cats are crepuscular, meaning they're most active around dawn and dusk. The long afternoon stretches of sleep are their way of banking energy for when they actually feel like moving. Most adult cats sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day. Some indoor cats, especially in Hyderabad's summer heat, sleep even longer just to stay cool.

What this means practically: don't try to force play sessions in the middle of the afternoon. Your cat will ignore you and you'll both end up frustrated. Instead, schedule interactive play around early morning or after sunset. That's when they're naturally switched on. A short 10-minute play session during those windows is worth more than 45 minutes of waving a toy at a sleepy cat.

What does it mean when cats groom themselves constantly?

Cats are meticulous about cleanliness — more so than most pets we work with. A healthy cat spends a significant chunk of their waking hours grooming, which is completely normal. It regulates body temperature, keeps their coat free of loose hair, and is genuinely calming for them. Think of it as their version of a wind-down routine.

Here's where it gets interesting: cats will sometimes groom you too. If your cat licks your hand or your hair, that's a social behaviour — they're treating you like another cat they trust. That's a compliment, honestly.

Where you can step in is with brushing. Most cats actually enjoy being brushed once they're comfortable with it, especially longhaired breeds or cats during the shedding season. We had a customer last month with a 4-year-old Persian mix who used to run from the brush — turns out they'd been using a hard-bristle tool that was uncomfortable. Switched to a soft grooming glove and now the cat actively climbs into their lap when it comes out. The right tool matters a lot. If you're overdue for a professional session, our grooming services at Cuddle Paws are worth checking out — we handle cats regularly and know how to keep them calm.

Why does my cat scratch furniture and walls?

This one causes the most stress for apartment owners, especially in Gachibowli flats where the furniture tends to be decent quality. Scratching isn't destructive behaviour — it's essential behaviour. Cats scratch to shed the dead outer layer of their claws, to stretch their shoulder and back muscles, and to mark their territory through the scent glands in their paws.

Trying to stop scratching altogether is a losing battle. Redirecting it is the actual solution. A sturdy scratching post placed near where your cat already tends to scratch will usually do the job within a week or two. Sisal posts tend to hold up better than carpet-covered ones. If your cat ignores the post, try rubbing a tiny bit of catnip on it. Works about 70% of the time in our experience.

If your cat is scratching more than usual and seems agitated, that's worth paying attention to. Excess scratching can sometimes signal anxiety — particularly in cats that are home alone for long hours, which is common among the IT crowd in this part of Hyderabad. Environmental enrichment, like a window perch or a second cat for company, can help a lot.

Do cats actually enjoy playing, or do they just tolerate it?

They enjoy it. Deeply. The problem is most people play with their cats wrong — they wiggle a toy in front of them half-heartedly while watching TV, the cat loses interest in 90 seconds, and the owner concludes their cat "doesn't like to play." What cats respond to is movement that mimics prey. Erratic, unpredictable, pause-then-sprint motion. Let the toy hide behind a cushion and then dart out. Let it move slowly and then suddenly speed up. That's what triggers their hunting instinct.

Interactive wand toys tend to get the best responses. Puzzle feeders are also excellent for cats that eat too fast or need mental stimulation. For cats that live entirely indoors — which most city cats in Hyderabad do — play is genuinely important for their mental health, not just a fun extra. Explore our full range of cat products including toys, feeders, and enrichment tools.

Cats love having a space that's truly theirs

This one doesn't get talked about enough. Cats are deeply territorial and they feel most secure when they have a dedicated spot they can retreat to — a place that smells like them, that nobody disturbs. It might be a corner of the bedroom, the top of a bookshelf, or a proper cat bed tucked somewhere quiet.

A lot of cats in apartment settings don't have this, and it shows up as restlessness or clinginess. Giving your cat a designated sleeping spot they actually want to use isn't indulgent — it genuinely reduces their stress. Elevated beds tend to be popular because cats like being able to survey a room from above. If you haven't set one up yet, our dog and cat beds collection has options that work well for cats who like a bit of structure to curl into.

One more thing: cats love routine more than most owners realise

Cats don't just appreciate routine — they rely on it. Feeding at consistent times, play at consistent windows, and a predictable home environment all make your cat calmer and more affectionate. When routines get disrupted (guests, renovations, schedule changes), cats often react with hiding, reduced appetite, or increased vocalization. They're not being dramatic. Their sense of safety is genuinely tied to predictability.

If your schedule changes frequently, try to keep at least feeding and sleep times stable. That anchor is enough to keep most cats settled.

FAQs About Cat Behaviour

Why does my cat bring me dead insects or lizards?

It's a hunting instinct. In the wild, mother cats bring prey to their kittens to teach them how to eat. Your cat is essentially doing the same for you — in their mind, they're providing for you. It sounds unpleasant but it's actually a sign of affection and trust. The best response is to calmly dispose of it without making a fuss, so they don't associate the behaviour with getting a dramatic reaction (which can accidentally reinforce it).

My cat is indoor-only — do I still need to worry about enrichment?

Yes, more so than with outdoor cats. Indoor cats in Hyderabad apartments have limited exposure to natural stimuli — no birds to watch, no grass to walk on, limited territory to explore. Without enrichment, they get bored and sometimes destructive. Rotate toys regularly, add vertical climbing spaces, and keep play sessions consistent. Even a bird feeder outside a window gives them something to watch for hours.

Is it okay to bathe my cat?

Most cats don't need regular baths unless they've gotten into something messy or they're a breed prone to oily skin. Bathing a healthy, short-haired cat too often can strip the natural oils from their coat and cause irritation. If a bath is unavoidable, use a cat-specific shampoo, keep the water lukewarm, and work quickly. If your cat becomes extremely distressed, a professional groomer is worth the investment — our team handles cat baths regularly and can make the process much less stressful for both of you. Book a session through our grooming page.

How do I know if my cat is bored versus unwell?

Boredom usually shows up as increased sleeping, mild destructive behaviour, following you around more than usual, or vocalising for attention. Illness tends to look different — loss of appetite, changes in litter box habits, hiding for extended periods, or visible discomfort. When in doubt, especially if the change in behaviour is sudden, a vet check is always the right call. You can learn more about our veterinary services if you need a professional opinion.