The changing of seasons can be such a magical time for us humans! Of course, that depends a bit on how you feel about transitioning from summer into autumn or winter into spring. Every human is different, and some of us are more impacted by the changing seasons than others. How about our feline friends? Do cats act differently depending on the season?
Cats Act Differently During Various Seasons
The short answer, provided by The Anchor Animal Hospital, is yes, cats may act differently depending on the seasons. They might even look a little different as physical changes take place, too. They note that temperatures and amounts of daylight can impact our cats, and perhaps even in similar ways as it can impact us humans. Let’s explore some examples.
Cats and SAD
If you haven’t heard the term SAD before, it stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s a very real condition for some people during the winter months, when days get shorter and the weather gets downright cold. It affects different people in different ways, and it can even have an impact on felines. Anchor notes that signs of seasonal or or other depression may pop up in cats during winter. These signs may include general changes in behavior or a lack of energy.
Appetite Changes Can Signal That Cats Act Differently Depending On The Season
Just as SAD can become an issue, pets’ appetites may also fluctuate as seasons change. When seasons get colder, as in the transition from summer into fall, you may actually notice that your pet is eating more of her food or eating more often. If you think about it, it makes sense since we as humans also tend to eat more as the weather turns cooler. It’s just nature doing its thing, essentially. If you notice your pet gaining weight quickly, you will want to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian of course. Otherwise, keep an eye on your cat and don’t sweat it too much if you fill her bowl just a little more often as you head into the cooler seasons.
Seasonal Fur Changes
It also isn’t too surprising that Anchor notes animals’ fur coats tend to become thicker in colder weather. Your cat’s fur might change a bit as you go from winter into spring, since he won’t need quite as much warmth as he did during those frigid January days. Even if he spent most of his time snuggled up on his favorite blanket over the winter, you likely noticed his fur got a bit thicker.
Dandruff or Itchy Skin
Unfortunately, your cat might experience dandruff or itchy and irritated skin if your house gets too dry in the colder weather of fall and winter. My cat, depending on how dry the air is some years, will develop a twitch in his back. He’ll also get a bit of dandruff in his otherwise clean and glossy coat. When this happens, we spray him down with a vet-approved moisturizing spray made specifically for cats. Boy, does he purr when we do this! If you notice some extra white flakes in your kitty’s coat, she might be in need of some extra moisturization. Ask your vet for some helpful, pet-safe options.
Ultimately, cats do act differently and even look different during the change of seasons. As always, keep an eye on what’s normal for your cat and have your vet on speed dial for any concerns.
