Cats can have a vast list of likes (and, possibly, an equally long list of dislikes!) because they are intelligent, sentient beings. Most of the time, your cat enjoys the same things you do, such as fresh, tasty food, lengthy sleeps in cozy areas, and a variety of enjoyable pastimes, to name a few.

Cats, like humans, change their minds about what they find intriguing, entertaining, or thrilling as they get older—your cat may love her feathered toy one day and find it dull the next. It's your job as a kitty parent to notice when your cat's interests shift so you can keep her happy, healthy, and interested. Although cat tastes vary, these five "likes" for kittens are an excellent place to start.

1.     Cats enjoy napping.

Cats are known for their fondness of sleeping. Every day, the average cat sleeps between 12 and 16 hours! Cats are nocturnal creatures, so they sleep for the majority of the day—and who can blame them? Everyone enjoys a lengthy, relaxing slumber in a warm, inviting environment.

Keep in mind that kittens and senior cats will sleep more than an adolescent cat, for example. However, if you're concerned that your cat is sleeping too much—or too little—consult your veterinarian about what's normal for his breed, age, activity level, and size.

2.     Cat love fresh, nutritious food.

At dinnertime, it's unlikely that you'd want to dig into a large platter of rotten food. Your cat is in the same boat. Stale and spoiled food isn't just unpleasant to eat; it can also grow mold or harbor bacteria such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus.

When serving your kitty's meals, check the expiration dates on both wet and dry food. This way, you'll be able to feed her only fresh, nutritious, and safe items.

3.     Cats are attracted to running water.

If you own a cat, you're well aware that they will try to drink water from running faucets whenever the opportunity arises. Fortunately, there are numerous drinking fountains created just for cats, ensuring that they always have access to cool, fresh, running water.

Believe it or not, several cat breeds prefer playing in the water. Fill the bathtub or a kiddie pool with a few inches of water during your cat's playtime if she enjoys splashing around. This activity will help her to get some exercise and cool off on extremely hot days.

4.     Cats Love Scratching and Clawing

Sharpening their claws by scratching and clawing various surfaces is one of the cats' basic habits. They, too, get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

Scratching can help cats relax and rejuvenate as well as sharpen their claws. When your muscles are fatigued or achy, think of it as the human version of a nice, long stretch. A simple scratch on a cat tree or scratching post will instantly wake up a weary kitty.

5.     Cats like playing on a daily basis.

Cats take their playtime very seriously, from kittenhood to old age. It doesn't take much to keep a cat entertained—she'll play with anything from lint to high-tech cat toys—but it is critical to their general health and development. Playtime not only transports them back to their wild days of chasing, hunting, and capturing their prey, but it also keeps them active, engaged, and content.

There are literally hundreds of thousands of cat toys on the market, but your cat might like games like hide and seek. No matter what your cat prefers to do, it's critical to sneak in a few minutes of fun every day.