Status: 15.01.2024, 16:28 PM
By: Pauline Wyderka
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If the cat eats more in winter, it doesn't have to mean anything bad. What is important, however, is the measure. But why do cats eat more in winter?
If not only the mistress and master gain a few pounds during the Christmas season, but also the cat in the house suddenly seems a little more chubby, it could be because the house tiger also hits more when it comes to food. But why is that? And how much is normal, how much maybe even important, and when does it become unhealthy? All this is revealed by LUDWIGSHAFEN24.
Here's how old your cat is in human years:
| Cat years | Human Years |
| 1 year | 15 years |
| 3 years | 28 years |
| 8 years | 48 years |
| 14 years | 72 years |
| 20 years | 96 years |
Is it normal for cats to eat so much in winter?
The Christmas treats can – or should – hardly be the reason why Miezi suddenly likes to fill her belly. Sweet pastries and spicy feasts are generally not among the things cats can eat. Instead, the cat suddenly literally kneels in its bowl of cat food.
Don't worry – this is completely normal to a certain extent. The fact that cats prefer to eat many small snacks throughout the day instead of one or two large meals is completely natural. In the wild, the animals only live on small animals, which they prey on here and there.
Why do cats eat more in winter?
If the cat suddenly needs larger or more portions to fill up in winter, it may also be due to the time of year. This is due to the fact that she literally wants to feed herself a thick skin against the cold. This means that it lasts better and longer outdoors.
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Not only does the winter fat keep them warm, but the extra calories give their bodies the energy to keep the temperature up and exercise outside even in the harsh season.
In order to be able to walk through the snow like this tabby cat in the winter cold, they need a thick coat. On the other hand, they eat a lot in the cold season. © Wirestock/Imago
Cat is constantly hungry – what does it mean?
It only becomes alarming when hunger apparently cannot be satisfied with snacks at all. If she screams incessantly for food even after eating and can't leave a crumb lying around, psychological problems or illnesses may also be behind it.
It's really true: Cats can also eat because of frustration. So if Mikesch the cat eats like there's no tomorrow, he may just feel lonely or bored. But serious depression, illnesses and parasites, such as nematodes, can also be the cause. Also not to be underestimated is a lack of nutrient supply due to the wrong food.
Is it possible that domestic cats eat less in winter?
If you are wondering because your cat eats much less in winter instead of more, you have no reason to worry. In fact, there is that too. The decisive difference in feeding behavior most likely results from whether the animal is a pure domestic cat that only stays indoors, or whether it is also allowed to go outside.
If the cat goes out into a blizzard, it will probably come back with cravings more often. If she stays inside instead, she will sleep more and move less during the dark season, which also means that she will be less hungry. Whether the domestic cat can stay outside overnight depends on a few factors.
How much do cats eat in winter?
There is even a mathematical formula for how much food is healthy for the cat, but there are also tables that can be used as a guide. Depending on the amounts you would give your cat regularly, you can then adjust the number of calories a little in portions.
It is also advisable to keep an eye on the weight of the cat. A slight increase in winter, which disappears again in spring, is no problem at all. However, weight loss should be observed. In the case of pure house cats, it may be possible to reduce the food portion a little. With the outdoor cat, you can confidently give a little more.
What do cats eat in winter? What do cats like in winter?
Even in winter, a healthy and balanced diet is the be-all and end-all for cats. A healthy cat that does not have exceptional nutritional needs will be well catered for with a combination of wet and dry food. Neither the one nor the other food is better – it's the mixture that makes the difference.
However, the cat also has to decide for itself what it likes, after all, in the end it depends on it to clean the bowl as well. The ingredients, on the other hand, can be kept in mind as an owner. Cats need animal protein and fat, but also vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K and minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc and iodine. What is the best cat food according to tests, you can find out here. (paw)