Do Cats Need More Food When it Gets Cold?

If Tabitha continues to take a stroll outdoors during colder months, you̵7;ll have to change her diet a bit. She̵7;ll probably need to eat more as temperatures plummet, although you should go to your veterinarian for advice for your specific situation. Just don̵7;t be surprised if she̵7;s begging you for a second helping.

  1. Energy Needs Change

    • Surely you̵7;ve been cold enough on a snowy day to the point where you need to snuggle up under a blanket to stop shivering. When you get the chills, or are on the verge of them, your body works extra hard to burn energy to bring your core body temperature back up. Felines go through the exact same process. Because your furry pal will be burning extra calories, she could have an unusually ravenous appetite, devouring her food rather quickly. Your veterinarian will have to help you figure out exactly how much more to give her, if any at all.

    Biological Differences

    • As the days start getting shorter when winter draws closer, your kitty̵7;s body automatically goes through a series of biological changes. Something in her brain tells her that it̵7;s going to be cold and she needs to start looking for food -- an instinct that her larger feline cousins have as well. This biological urge to eat gives her a chance to bulk up and store fat before winter arrives, making it easier for her to maintain her body temperature.

    Indoor Cat Considerations

    • If Tabitha is a strict indoor-only kind of gal, you may still notice that she eats a little extra during winter months. While you most likely keep it perfectly toasty indoors, her biological markers are telling her it̵7;s getting dark earlier so she needs to eat. If her appetite soars during winter months, but she never goes outside, she probably doesn̵7;t need to eat more, no matter how much she begs. Just double check with your veterinarian to make sure her grumbling belly isn̵7;t stemming from something medical related.

    Don̵7;t Forget About Water

    • Not only does your purring comrade require more food when she̵7;s outside on cold days, she also needs more water. While her body is using up more energy, she̵7;s burning through her fluid stores. You̵7;ll need to put out a heated water bowl or provide her with an outdoor enclosure that will protect her water from freezing. Otherwise she could wind up with a case of dehydration, resulting in a sick kitty who needs a trip to the vet.