Should I change my cat’s feeding routine in the summer?

Hydration and wet food

Keeping your cat hydrated is the most important thing you can do for her during the warmer months.

A normal 4kg cat should drink approximately 150ml per day (though they may drink less if they are being fed wet food). So, it’s important to provide your cat with plenty of fresh, clean drinking water in different places throughout your house, and in a cool, shaded spot outside if your cat spends time outdoors.

Keep an eye on her bowls - make sure to clean her bowls regularly and replace them with fresh water at least twice a day.

Plastic bowls can give water an unpleasant taste so consider upgrading to a stainless steel bowl. You could also consider investing in a cat fountain that provides continual, fresh running water whenever your cat wants a drink.

If you feel your cat is not drinking enough, it’s possible she doesn’t like the taste of your tap water so try some bottled spring water instead. Do not locate the bowl next to the toilet, litter tray or next to the feeding bowl.

Also, as cats get older they can forget to drink enough water. Try delicately pouring fresh water into a bowl in front of your cat, or lead her to a dripping tap – the movement can spark her interest and encourage her to drink.

You could also consider feeding your cat wet food in summer. Wet food has a higher moisture content than dry food and will help keep your cat hydrated. In fact, wet food with a moisture level of approximately 75% would allow your cat to thrive without drinking water at all. Like most desert animals, cats can get hydration from their prey.
Also, wet food tends to be highly palatable and enjoyed by cats as it usually offers a wider variety of flavours, and it has a texture more closely resembling fresh meat.

My outside cat is leaving food in its bowl

As we’ve mentioned, it’s totally normal for your cat to eat less food in the warmer months. If you feed your cat outside it’s important not to leave her uneaten food for too long. Wet and dry food will begin to deteriorate quickly in the summer and can attract bugs, insects and other animals to your cat’s bowl. It also quickly becomes unattractive to your cat and can put her off her regular feeding routine. It is better to feed your cat with regular, smaller meals than large servings that she only partially eats.

What else should I look for before feeding my cat?

Making sure your cat is relaxed and out of direct sunlight before you feed her. Summer can be a challenge for our feline friends at times and their reduced appetite can sometimes be the cause for alarm. If you have any concerns about your cat you should always take her to see your vet.

But, if she is relaxed, eating regularly, getting plenty of fresh water, her body weight is stable, you’re brushing her regularly, and she has cool places to be in during the day, there is no reason to be alarmed. Let your cat eat when she needs to eat and let her enjoy a nice long, lazy summer. Sounds lovely!