Can a cat's mood be affected by the weather?

The cold weather and long nights sometimes affect our mood – but is the same true for our cats?

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As the weather gets colder and the nights draw in, you might notice your cat sleeping and eating more. But can a cat’s mood also be affected by the weather? Here’s how to tell if your cat is depressed during the winter – and what to do about it.

Do cats get sad?

Can cats feel depressed? Most cat owners would say yes.

Cats are not the easiest animals to read how they’re feeling and have evolved to not be as expressive as social animals, such as dogs, although most owners can pick up when their cats are feeling playful or energetic. Cats can feel a whole variety of emotions, such as happiness, relief, fear, anxiety, frustration, sadness, depression and an emotional response to pain. Behavioural changes that can sometimes indicate a cat is stressed include:

• Lethargy
• Hiding
• Aggression
• Over and under-grooming
• Sleeping more than usual
• Increased vocalisations
• Tense body language
• Appetite changes
• Spraying
• Scratching furniture

If you’re concerned your cat might be depressed, stressed or in pain, it’s best to speak to your vet for advice first, who may refer to a qualified cat behaviourist if the cause is thought to be behavioural. They’ll be able to get to the bottom of any changes and provide tailored tips and advice. If you have cat insurance with Petplan, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature to get your questions answered by a professional, no matter the time of day. Simply log in to your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area.

SAD cat: Can cats get seasonal affective disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that generally affects people during the cold winter months. SAD can cause a range of symptoms including:

• Low energy
• Changes in sleep patterns
• A persistent low mood
• Changes in appetite

But can cats suffer from SAD, too? While cats probably do notice seasonal changes in sunlight and warmth, it’s unlikely cats would suffer from SAD – although it’s impossible to say for sure. Many cat owners do notice their cat's behaviour changes over the winter, including sleeping and eating more. Cats often stay indoors more over the winter (much like people) due to the colder winter temperatures, and this can cause boredom and frustration.

Why do cats sleep more over winter?

During warmer weather, cats don’t need to worry about conserving their body heat and energy. This means they might be more playful and active. Once the weather starts to cool down, cats will try to conserve their body heat by being less active. This often means they spend a lot more time sleeping – especially if they find a cosy spot where they can stay warm. Cats may also sleep more due to changes in their routine, especially if they spend less time outside.

Why do cats eat more over winter?

It’s normal for cats to eat more over winter, which helps them stay warm in colder temperatures. While it may be tempting to give your cat more food, make sure you’re offering your cat the right amount of food for their weight and life stage. Speak to your vet for advice.

If you’re worried eating more will mean your cat puts on weight, remember they’re using that extra energy to stay warm. This means they shouldn’t put on weight, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it just to make sure.

How to help your cat over winter

If you’re concerned about your cat feeling low, follow these tips to keep them as happy and comfortable as possible over winter.

1. Play some games

Many cats sleep more and don’t go outside as much over the winter, which means they might not be getting enough physical and mental stimulation. Encourage your cat to stay active by playing games together, teaching them some tricks, or treating them to some new toys.

Puzzle feeders are also a great way to extend your cat’s feed times and encourage them to use their hunting instincts to find their food.

2. Keep them warm

Winter is a time for snuggling up and keeping warm, so make sure your cat has lots of cosy places to hang out, too. Some cats love hammock-style beds that hang over a warm radiator, while others prefer to curl up on their owner’s bed for a long nap.

If your cat has arthritis, they may find the cold weather uncomfortable. A heated cat bed can keep them as warm and comfortable as possible – but if you notice any signs of pain, or a change in their behaviour, speak to your vet for advice.

If your cat goes outdoors, keep an eye on the weather forecast and consider keeping them indoors when snow or frost is forecast. If you are keeping your cat inside more than usual, make sure they have enough food and water (spaced out across your home), plus a litter tray in a quiet, accessible location, away from food and water bowls.

3. Let the sunshine in

During winter, most of us don’t see as much sunshine as we’d like. On sunny days, make the most of the light by encouraging your cat to head outside. Some cats are more likely to spend more time outside if their owners are also outside. You could try playing games outdoors, such as using a fishing rod toy. If your cat lives indoors, set up a bed near a window that catches as much sun as possible.