Studies have shown that this is normal and they will eat 15% more food in the winter than the summer. Food consumption in the months of March, April, May, and September was intermediate. It turns out that it can affect indoor cats, too, although in a much more subtle and unexpected way. Any significant change should result in a vet visit. Cats vary in their needs, so some will eat considerably more food, others less. But now I know a cat-only hospital in San Antonio, Texas, where, every time a cat reaches its 20th birthday, they put it up on their reader board. Winter's shorter days can cause seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, in cats. Ask your vet about wintertime meals to prevent your cat from gaining or losing too much weight. As winter weather really sets in, do not forget to help keep your cats warm and safe. Generally, all cats have their first sexual behavior before finishing their growth and reach adulthood. Because your cat is following the natural rhythm of preparing for the months when food is scarce and temperatures are harsh so an extra layer of fat is good to store energy and keep warmer. Here's what to look for. In spring and early fall, the amount they ate fell somewhere between those extremes. You can provide a winter cat shelter to help keep outdoor felines warm. In sunny climates, cats are cheerful and energetic. Domesticated cats are descended from desert-dwelling ancestors, so they are happiest in the sunshine. Making sure your cat stays warm begins, of course, with your cat — on the inside and out. Cats that live indoors – that is, in temperature-controlled environments – have appetites that are affected by the seasons as well. In both cases you must pay attention to the diet. I always thought cats would eat less in the summer when it is hot, and more in the winter when it is cold - I mean now it's winter I stuffing my face constantly (dammit ), however I have noticed M&M are eating less than they usually would in the warmer months! ... Do Cats Need More Food When it Gets Cold? They get their liquid from the dead bodies of their kill. During the winter, just like humans, cats need more calories. But you must keep in mind that during the winter, cats often exercise less and are generally less active than in other seasons. Big cats have evolved by growing thicker coats, and they continue to hunt and eat all through winter. Apart from taking in a homeless cat and giving it a forever home, or asking us or the RSPCA to catch and rehome the cat, here are some ideas that can make the life of a cat in winter a little less harsh: Give the Gift of Warmth. The researchers found that the cats ate the most during the months of January, February, October, November, and December. by Leslie Carver . How to care for feral cats during the winter ... which makes surgery less complicated. ... Gluttonous Eating by Cats. And while dogs might love the idea of sharing what's on your plate and eating like the humans do, the fact is that dogs have some specific dietary needs that just aren't met by healthy human diets. The study found that cats ate approximately 15% less food during summer, and the vets have concluded that the extra effort to keep warm in winter and the temptation to rest during hot summer days contributed to the swing in activity levels during the year. My experience has been that cats eat a little more during winter. The cats ate the least during June, July, and August, with food intake 15 percent less in July than December. The cats ate approximately 15 percent less in summer than in winter. Cats found to eat more in the winter. Does Your Cat Get Depression in Winter? Good question. Do indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats? One of the greatest risks to feral cats is the bitter cold of winter … Cats eat more during the winter and owners should give their pet more food during this time, University of Liverpool research has found. Cats do not need to drink water, even in the summer, if they are hunting and eating mice, rats, rabbits, etc. Light Therapy Can Help. Most of the time, they take care of themselves, scavenging and hunting for their meals while also depending on the kindnesses of cat lovers, but things can get a lot chancier when the weather turns frigid. Our cats tend … I would keep monitoring the cats behavior and weight, like you have been doing. In the winter, when there is little to eat,a bear's heart rate slows down. Everyone in your family is likely to eat more and get less exercise in the winter, including your dog. It takes more calories for your cat to stay warm, so don’t fret if you see him eating more food than usual throughout the next few months. Cats eat more during the winter, a new research has found. Cold weather can be hard on cats, just like it can be hard on people. Temperature and season can change both the nutritional needs and appetites of all cats. A cat’s emotions can be governed by the weather. I always thought cats would eat less in the summer when it is hot, and more in the winter when it is cold - I mean now it's winter I stuffing my face constantly (dammit ), however I have noticed M&M are eating less than they usually would in the warmer months! Cold weather can be hard on cats, just like it can be hard on people. According to their data, the cats ate the least June through August and the most between October and February.