Do cats eat less in summer?

Do the long, hot days of summer affect how much your cat eats? Here’s everything you need to know.

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Cats love being warm, so you might find your cat basking in the garden or sunning themselves on a window sill over the summer, rather than playing with their toys. But in addition to being less active, you might notice your cat eating less than usual. Is this normal, or a cause for concern?

Do cats eat less in summer?

Most cats eat less over summer, with research from the University of Liverpool showing that cats typically eat 15% less food in warm weather.

Why do cats eat less in summer?

The reason cats eat less during this season is thought to be a combination of warmer weather and longer days. In summer, cats don’t need to burn as many calories staying warm, and they’re usually less active than in cooler weather. As a result, they probably won’t eat as much.

Do indoor cats eat less in the summer?

Yes. Even if they don’t spend time outdoors, indoor cats are still affected by the warmer weather and increased daylight hours of summer.

Should I feed my cat less in summer?

If your cat isn’t eating as much as normal, you can decrease their daily food rations by around 10-15%. It’s best to continue feeding their normal kibble or wet food, instead of feeding them something new. If they eat wet food, make sure you clear any leftovers away, as they’ll quickly go off in warm weather.

If your cat is on a prescription diet or has a medical condition, speak to your vet before adjusting the amount you’re feeding. If you have cat insurance with Petplan, use the Pet Expert Chat feature to speak with an expert, 24/7. Log in to your My Petplan account and go to the My Support area to access.

Once the weather starts to cool down, slowly increase your cat’s portions again, since they’ll start to eat more over winter.

Do cats lose weight in summer?

Research shows that even when eating less over the summer, cats typically don’t lose weight. That’s because they’re burning fewer calories, so even if they’re eating less, this shouldn’t affect their weight.

If you’re worried your cat might lose weight over the summer, it’s a good idea to monitor their weight. You can do this at home using body condition scoring (BCS), weighing them or booking an appointment with your vet.

If you’re using BCS at home, look out for the following.

• Ribs: Run your hands over your cat’s sides, gently but firmly. You should be able to feel their ribs under a thin layer of fat. If you can easily feel your cat’s ribs using a lighter touch, they might be underweight. Your cat’s ribs shouldn’t be visible.
• Waist: When looking at your cat from above, there should be a slight dip, or waist, just behind their ribs. A pronounced narrowing may be a sign your cat is underweight.
• Abdomen: Look at your cat from the side and check if their belly slopes upwards from the ribs. Some cats have what’s known as a ‘primordial pouch’, a flap of skin and fat on their lower abdomen, but this can still be present in an underweight cat.
• Spine and pelvis: Run your hands over your cat’s back. You should be able to feel their spine and pelvis under a thin layer of fat. In underweight cats, these will be very easy to feel and see.

If your cat is a healthy weight, and they’re eating all their food, a decreased appetite over summer is nothing to worry about. But if it’s combined with any of the following, it’s best to speak to your vet for advice.

• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Lack of appetite
• Excessive weight loss

How to keep your cat healthy and happy over the summer

As well as feeding your cat slightly less over the summer, use these tips to keep them as healthy and happy as possible.

• Prevent dehydration: Cats don’t have a strong thirst drive, so it’s important to ensure they don’t become dehydrated in hot weather. Make sure your cat has plenty of water bowls, positioned away from their food and litter trays. Some cats prefer to drink running water, so a cat water fountain may encourage them to drink more.
• Offer plenty of shade: Cats love to bask in the sun, but when it gets too hot they may prefer a shady spot. Make sure they’ve always got somewhere shady to nap, inside and outside. During a heatwave, consider keeping your cat inside during the middle of the day.
• Groom your cat: If your cat is long-haired, you may need to groom them more often than usual to remove excess hair. Stroking a damp towel over their body can also help cool them down.
• Use pet-safe sunscreen: Cats with light-coloured skin may get sunburn, especially on their ears and noses. Use a pet-safe sunscreen on these areas, and encourage them to stay out of the sun on very hot days.
• Offer frozen treats: Some cats love playing with ice cubes or frozen treats. Try freezing low-salt stock or bone broth, or the water from a tin of tuna and put these in a bowl for your cat to enjoy. Adding an ice cube to their water bowl can also help keep it cool.