Do Cats Eat Less In The Summer?

As the summer heat rolls in, you might notice that your cat isn’t eating as much as usual. Just as we crave heavy meals in the winter and delicate dishes in summer, cats, too, seem to eat less in hot weather. While a decreased appetite can be a cause for concern, it’s normal for your cat’s appetite to fluctuate throughout the seasons.

Why Do Cats Eat Less In The Summer?
In the summer, your cat does not need as many calories to maintain their normal baseline temperature. Though your indoor-only cat may spend all day in your temperature-controlled, air-conditioned home, their body can still go through seasonal changes as they are exposed to longer periods of sunlight.
What&rsquo's more, our cats may become inactive on summer days because they’ve inherited the habits of their big cat ancestors. In hot climates, lions and tigers rest in the shade during the day to conserve energy and avoid becoming overheated. In the cool, dark cover of nightfall, they hunt and eat. Like the mighty tiger, your cat may become more active at night, especially in the winter, and may prefer to eat after sundown.

Do Cats Lose Weight In The Summer?
Ideally, your cat’s food intake will match their seasonal caloric needs. Their weight should not greatly fluctuate throughout the year, though slight changes are not usually a concern as long as it stays within a healthy range.
Rapid, unintentional weight loss can be an early sign of diabetes or chronic kidney disease. If you’re unsure if your cat is losing weight due to normal summer slimming, or if there’s a chance they have an undiagnosed health issue, see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If your cat goes more than 24 hours without eating or has been eating significantly less over a longer period of time, they can be at risk for hepatic lipidosis. Hepatic lipidosis is a life-threatening condition in cats in which body fat breaks down so quickly that the liver is unable to metabolize it, sometimes leading to liver failure.

How Much Should I Feed My Cat in The Summer?
Research suggests that cats eat, on average,15 percent less in the hottest months of the summer compared to the coldest months in winter.
It’s not necessary to restrict your cat’s caloric intake in the summer unless advised by your veterinarian. Instead, keep an eye on how much they’re eating, and see your vet if your cat is eating significantly less than usual.
Consider feeding your cat early in the morning, before it gets too hot, and leaving them some food overnight so they can graze. That way, they will still fulfill their daily nutritional needs and avoid hepatic lipidosis even if they aren’t eating much throughout the day.
Prevent your cat from getting dehydrated in the summer by feeding moisture-rich food and treats. Canned food, rehydrated freeze-dried or dehydrated foods, and other fresh options are great for keeping your cat hydrated, even when they aren’t eating as much.