Why Do Cats' Appetites Fluctuate? Research Reveals "Appetite Is Related to the Seasons"

Have you noticed that your cat tends to lose its appetite when summer arrives? In fact, research shows that cats' appetites vary significantly with the seasons. A six-year study conducted by a research team from the UK and France tracked 38 cats in southern France to uncover some answers. Among these cats, 22 maintained a normal weight while 16 were overweight. Thirty of the cats had free access to both indoor and outdoor environments, while the remaining eight were strictly indoor cats.

The study found that cats ate the most during the cold months of January, February, October, November, and December. Their food intake was moderate during March, April, May, and September. The least amount of food was consumed in the hot months of June, July, and August, with July's intake approximately 15% less than that in December.

The researchers explained that light and temperature subtly influence appetite. Cats' bodies are highly sensitive to seasonal changes. When the weather warms and daylight hours lengthen, hormonal adjustments reduce metabolism and activity levels, naturally decreasing their desire to eat. This is an adaptive mechanism, as less energy is needed to maintain body heat in hot weather. Conversely, in winter, lower temperatures and shorter days trigger a "storage mode" in their bodies, increasing appetite and fat accumulation to prepare for the cold.

These ancient physiological mechanisms persist even in modern domestic cats living comfortable indoor lives. For example, the eight indoor-only cats in the study still exhibited seasonal appetite changes, likely because their brains respond to natural light variations outside their windows, influencing hormones and metabolism. Consequently, their activity and food intake fluctuate with the seasons as well.

This research suggests that cat owners should consider adjusting feeding amounts seasonally: reducing portions in spring, summer, and early autumn, and increasing them slightly in late autumn, winter, and early spring. If you have wondered why your cat sometimes seems less interested in food and worried it might be ill, seasonal changes could be a natural explanation.