Weight and the seasons ...

[Littlebobo]

I don't really notice any difference with mine, but as indoor cats their environment is fairly constant all year round.  Last summer was the first summer where it got hot in my flat and they were both a bit off their food when it was particularly hot.  I would expect indoor/outdoor cats to gain a bit in winter due to being less active, but if it's really hot during summer then I guess they'd be pretty inactive then too!

I was thinking the same Susanne !

[Susanne (urbantigers)]

I don't really notice any difference with mine, but as indoor cats their environment is fairly constant all year round.  Last summer was the first summer where it got hot in my flat and they were both a bit off their food when it was particularly hot.  I would expect indoor/outdoor cats to gain a bit in winter due to being less active, but if it's really hot during summer then I guess they'd be pretty inactive then too!

[Catjane]

I think it must be normal - someone advised me that this was the case when I was worried about Meesha.  She looked really cobby and chunky in the winter, but now she's a dinky little thing!  Eats well and seems well, tho, so I'm not worried

[ChrisB]

Gizmo definitely loses weight in the summer.   She is persian so obviously her coat is smaller but I was worried the first summer she was with us.   She had a check up and was fine so now I realise it will happen each year and as long as she is her usual self I don't worry.

[Hippykitty]

Mine have been losing weight recently, but eating well. I've been keeping a close eye on this, thinking "thyroid probs!". But they are more active, chasing round the house, though they don't go out much cos I  have to keep them out of the sun. And they're eating like piglets!

Glad to hear this is normal in the summer. Polly always lost weight in the summer before Mrs Vet put a no on any sunshine. But Samantha tends to be a lazy cat (says me: they're chasing round the house as I type).

[Team Svartalfheims]

Most of mine put on weight in the summer and then lose loads in the winter (burn fat off keeping warm). Only exception is Miss Boopy who loses condition in the summer and puts a bit on in the winter but thats due to the effect the amount of daylight hours on her.

[Desley (booktigger)]

Mine put weight on in the winter, and lose it in the summer - I have found it a lot easier to get them to lose weight in the summer, they are more willing to go out and wander - and when I go and sit outside, I generally take a toy with me, as I always get the neighbourhood cats near me!!

[CurlyCatz]

my big boys put on a horrendous amount of weight last summer.

Both of them were sunbathing for about 20 hrs per day and barely moved for 2 months..i had to put them on r/d tail end of last year as they balooned.

[Bazsmum]

I remember this subject on CC before and the answer is "yes", they do put weight on in the colder weather!

most animals and infact some humans also do this....probably due to heat preservation?

I know their fur gets thicker also x

[carl (billy and baggys dad)]

Hullo hullo folks ...

does anyone know if cats' weights vary with the season/weather? I've noticed Bilbo put a bit of pudding on over Winter (like his dad  ), but has recently got leaner. He's not thin at all, so I'm not worried - he had a check up at the vets while he was there on Tuesday and all was well - I'm just curious really.

In summer we're outside more, so as a result I give the boys more time outside - so Bilbo is loads more active hunting, climbing etc. I guess that is the contibuting factor?

Baggins is still a fat teddy bear