Cats have a big appetite in winter, shouldn t they be allowed to eat more?

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-01-28

Winter is coming, and many pet owners find that their own seems to be becoming more voracious. So, should we let them eat a little more?This article will explain the problems of the cat's winter diet for you and help you take better care of your pet.

1. The reason why cats have a big appetite in winter.

1.Temperature changes: As the temperature drops, the cat's metabolism will speed up accordingly to maintain body temperature. As a result, they need to consume more calories to meet their body's needs.

2.Reduced activity: In winter, when the weather is cold, the cat's activity will be reduced and the energy consumed will be reduced accordingly. In order to maintain normal physiological functions, they need to consume more calories.

3.Storing energy: Cats are typical seasonal breeding animals, and winter is their breeding season. In order to cope with the energy expenditure during the breeding season, cats will store more fat and energy during the winter months.

2. Precautions for cats' winter diet.

1.Increase the amount of food you eat in moderation: Although cats have a great appetite in winter, it does not mean that we should feed them uncontrollably. Excessive food intake can lead to problems such as obesity, indigestion, etc. Therefore, we should increase the amount of food in an appropriate amount according to the actual situation of the cat.

2.Choose high-calorie foods: In order to meet the cat's caloric needs in winter, we can choose some high-calorie, easy-to-digest foods, such as cat food, canned cat food, etc. At the same time, protein-rich foods such as meat and fish can be appropriately increased to meet the nutritional needs of cats.

3.Regular and quantitative feeding: In order to ensure the regular diet of cats, we should develop the Xi of regular and quantitative feeding. This can help cats establish good eating habits Xi avoid overeating due to hunger.

4.Pay attention to food hygiene: In winter, the temperature is low, and food is easy to spoil. Therefore, we should pay attention to the freshness of the food when feeding to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort to the cat.

3. Misunderstandings of cats' winter diet.

1.Think cats don't need to be hydrated: Although cats are carnivores, they also need plenty of water to keep their bodies functioning properly. In winter, the air is dry, and cats are prone to dehydration. Therefore, we should provide cats with enough water to ensure that they are able to take in enough water.

2.Think cats can snack at will: While treats can provide extra calories and nutrients for cats, too much snack intake can affect the cat's normal diet, resulting in unbalanced nutrition. Therefore, we should control the intake of snacks to ensure that the cat's diet is healthy.

3.Think cats can eat human food at will: While some human foods may be delicious for cats, not all human foods are suitable for cats. Some foods may cause irritation to the cat's stomach and intestines, and even cause poisoning. Therefore, we should avoid letting cats eat human food to ensure that their diet is safe.

Fourth, how to help cats survive the winter.

1.Keep warm: In winter, when the temperature is low, we should provide a warm environment for cats. You can prepare a soft cushion for your cat or build a small nest for them indoors. In addition, we can also prepare some warm clothes for cats, such as sweaters, scarves, etc.

2.Increased exercise: Although the winter weather is cold, there are still ways to help cats increase their physical activity. For example, we can play with our cats or have some toys for them to roam freely around the house.

3.Regular check-ups: Winter is the high incidence period of cat diseases, and we should conduct regular check-ups for cats to ensure that they are healthy. If we find that the cat has abnormal symptoms, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, etc., we should take it to the veterinarian in time.

Summary: It is a normal physiological phenomenon for cats to have a large appetite in winter, and we should increase the amount of food in an appropriate amount according to their actual situation and choose high-calorie, easy-to-digest food. At the same time, we should also pay attention to food hygiene, regular and quantitative feeding, and avoid feeding mistakes. With these measures, we can ensure that your cat has a healthy diet and a comfortable winter season.

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