If your cat seems less interested in finishing their meals during warm weather, don’t panic — it’s really common. Cats often eat around 15% less during warmer months, simply because they need less energy to keep warm.
So if your cat suddenly starts leaving some KatKin behind, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve gone off their food. Their appetite may just be adjusting naturally to the heat.
Why do cats eat less when it’s hot?
Just like us, cats can feel less hungry in warm weather. During summer, they burn fewer calories staying warm, so they may naturally eat smaller meals or graze more slowly throughout the day.
You might notice your cat:
leaving food unfinished
eating more slowly
preferring smaller meals
eating more during cooler hours of the day
This is all perfectly normal behaviour.
Tips to help your cat eat comfortably in warmer weather
Feed smaller portions more often
Instead of serving two large meals, try offering smaller portions throughout the day.
You can pop the remaining food back in the fridge and use it within 2 days after opening.
Split your cat's trays up into 4 portions and serve them throughout the day, (if you're lucky enough to be at home with your cat).
Add cold water to meals
If you normally add warm water to your cat’s food, try switching to cold water during hotter weather. It can help keep meals fresher and more appealing.
Feed during cooler times of day
Cats often prefer eating when temperatures are lower (cats are crepuscular, not nocturnal, which means they're most active at dusk or dawn).
Try serving meals:
early in the morning
later in the evening
overnight using an automatic timed feeder if your cat is naturally more active then or loves waking you up for a midnight snack
Use a timed feeder
If you’re out during the day or want to offer food overnight, an automatic timed feeder can really help. This can also help to reduce any flies that might be attracted to the food during the day.
Adding an ice pack inside the feeder can also help keep food cool and fresh while you're asleep or at work.
These can be set to open at certain times during the day, and the ice pack underneath the feeder will keep the KatKin nice and fresh for your cat's midday meal. These can be bought at Pets at Home, Zooplus and Amazon.
Worried about waste? You can adjust your plan
If your cat is consistently eating less during summer, it’s absolutely fine to temporarily adjust their plan.
You can:
delay your next order by a week
temporarily reduce their portions by around 50 kcal
swap to more calorie-dense recipes with naturally smaller portions
Smaller trays, same calories
Some of our more calorie dense recipes — like Mooo, Oink and Baaa — are naturally smaller, meaning your cat gets the same nutrition in a smaller portion.
If your cat loves Mooo, Oink or Baaa and they're struggling to finish larger meals in the heat, try replacing some Cluck or Gobble trays with these recipes instead. Your cat still gets the calories they need, with less food left behind.
How long can I leave KatKin out in the summer months?
We don't recommend leaving KatKin out for more than 2-4 hours in warmer months. The heat can dry the food out, which won't be as appealing to your cat. It can also start to attract flies.
Instead, feed smaller portions where possible or put your cat's dish back in the fridge in-between grazings. You can also cover the food with a sheet of paper towel to help discourage flies - your cat will be able to easily move it when they want to eat.
Still transitioning to KatKin?
If your cat is new to KatKin, warmer weather can sometimes slow the transition process slightly too — and that’s okay.
👉 You can find more tips on switching your cat to KatKin here.
My trays arrived soft, are they still okay to freeze?
As long as your trays arrived cold to the touch, as if they've come straight from the fridge, they'll be safe to refreeze.
👉 Read more about defrosted trays in deliveries here.