They do! A large and very thorough study that lasted four years verified that your cat does eat (or wants to) about 15% more in the winter. This brings up two good questions:

• Why do they eat more?
• Should we feed them more?

The cooler temperatures and shorter days are signals to your cat’s system that winter is coming. And Fluffy’s metabolism responds by revving up! It’s her response to cooler weather – her body knows that it will need more calories to stay warm. This is true even for indoor cats; as the days get shorter, they want more food!

Now for the second question – should we oblige their desire for larger dinners? That’s a tricky question. If your cat never goes outdoors, then most likely, she won’t need more calories when it’s cooler. Some felines get more frisky with cooler weather, so if your cat is playing more, she may need a few extra treats.

Older cats, kittens, and cats with little or no fur may need a few more calories to maintain their body temperature. However, if they are not more active, then maybe they just need a sweater or a nice toasty bed in a sunny window.

If your feline goes outside in the chilly weather, they will probably need a few extra calories to help them stay warm.

During the winter months, keep an eye on Fluffy’s weight; consider having a weigh-in once a week. Be sure she is eating first-rate, wet food that contains Omega 3s, taurine, and a high-quality protein.

If Fluffy is gaining a little weight, you can cut back a tiny bit on her meal size or better yet, have a daily playtime with her so she can burn off a few calories.Enjoy the cooler weather and spend some time having more snuggles, but be sure that Fluffy doesn’t gain any weight. Invest some time in being active this winter!