Should cats eat more in winter?

Do cats eat more in winter? Here’s what you need to know about your cat’s eating habits as the weather cools down.

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When it’s cold and dark outside, your cat might spend more time inside where it’s warm. You might also notice they eat more in winter – but is this a normal seasonal change or something to be concerned about?

Do cats eat more in winter?

Typically, yes! Research from the University of Liverpool found that during late autumn and winter, cats eat 15% more than in spring and summer.

Why do cats eat more in winter?

During winter, cats use more energy to stay warm than they do in the summer. This is one of the reasons they typically eat less during hotter weather. At this time of year, their energy expenditure might also be lower, as they bask in the sun or find a shady spot for a nap.

Should I feed my cat more in winter?

Eating more in winter is normal for most cats, including those kept indoors. From late autumn, start offering your cat around 15% extra food in total. This should be added to their regular meals, not fed as snacks or treats. If your cat is overweight and on a calorie-controlled diet, speak to your vet before increasing their rations. 

If your cat is eating all their food and still seems hungry, ask your vet for advice. They’ll be able to examine your cat and determine whether they need additional calories. Remember to decrease the quantity of food again once the weather starts warming up.

Will eating more mean my cat puts on weight?

Obesity in domestic cats is on the rise, so it’s important to make sure your cat’s increased food intake doesn’t mean they’re also gaining weight.

When researching whether cats eat more in winter, the team from the University of Liverpool found that increased food intake didn’t mean cats put weight on over winter. Even though your cat is probably eating more during colder weather, they’re also expending more energy, so those calories are used rather than being stored as fat.

It’s still a good idea to check your cat’s weight using body condition scoring (BCS), weighing them at home or taking them to your vet for an assessment. If you’re checking your cat’s BCS at home, look for the following:

• Abdomen: When looking at your cat from the side, you should notice an abdominal tuck, where their belly follows a slight upward curve from the back of the ribs.
• Ribs: When running your hand down your cat’s sides, you should be able to feel their ribs under a thin layer of fat.
• Waist: When looking at your cat from above, they should have a slight indent at the waist, just behind the ribs.
• Spine and pelvis: When running your hand down your cat’s back, you should be able to feel their spine and pelvis, but the bones shouldn’t be prominent.

If you’re concerned about your cat’s weight over winter, it’s always best to speak to your vet for tailored advice.

Sometimes, increased appetite in cats can be a sign of medical conditions including hyperthyroidism or diabetes. If you’re concerned about your cat’s eating habits, speak to your vet for advice. If you have Petplan cat insurance, you can also use our free Pet Expert Chat service, for 24/7 advice. Simply log into your My Petplan account and go to My Support.

How to keep your cat healthy in winter

In addition to adjusting how much you feed your cat, there are other ways to keep them feeling comfortable over the winter.

Make sure they have somewhere warm to sleep

During winter, most cats appreciate somewhere cosy to sleep. If your cat loves spending time outdoors, add a covered shelter in the garden. Heated cat beds are a great way to keep cats of all ages warm indoors, but can be especially useful for senior cats or those with arthritis. 

Encourage playtime

During winter, your cat might spend more time sleeping and less time outdoors. Add a few short play sessions to their day, to encourage mental and physical stimulation.

Offer fresh water indoors

Many cats love to drink from outside water sources – but in winter these may freeze. Make sure there’s always a bowl of fresh water indoors, placed well away from your cat’s food bowl and litter tray.

Add an inside litter tray

When it’s cold, dark or rainy, your cat might not be keen to go to the toilet outside. To avoid any accidents, place a litter tray somewhere quiet indoors.