Should we give warm food to an outdoor cat in the cold?

For outdoor cats, aside from providing a covered, windproof shelter or a cat house, the most important thing is to ensure they receive enough high-quality food, as they burn more calories in the cold.

Ivan Denisovich, when recounting an average day in the prison camp, highlights how important it was to get warm soup during meal distributions. He explains that the temperature of the food was even more important than the quantity in the cold. While our pets aren’t laboring in a remote steppe work camp, the question arises whether warm food might benefit them during winter. Let’s explore whether it’s worth preparing warm food for the cat during the cold months.

Should we give warm food to the cat?

Many cat food manufacturers provide serving suggestions on their products, including whether or not to warm the food. Warming wet food, such as canned or pouch meals, can enhance its aroma and flavor. Most manufacturers recommend serving food at room temperature or warming it slightly in the microwave. However, it’s crucial to handle this carefully, as food that is too hot can burn a cat’s mouth. Always check the temperature before serving, and stir thoroughly to avoid hot spots caused by microwaving.

If you’re concerned about microwaving depleting the food’s nutrients, you can warm it in a pan on the stove or over steam. In either case, only heat it until it’s lukewarm, and check the temperature before feeding.

Warming food to make it more appealing is a valid approach for any cat, especially picky, elderly, or sick cats—not just outdoor ones during winter.

Should we prepare warm food for outdoor cats in winter?

As mentioned, offering warm food to outdoor cats in winter can be a nice gesture. Warm food can not only be comforting but also help them warm up slightly. Commercially available cat food can be warmed as described above. If you prepare homemade food for your cat, serve it in small, bite-sized pieces at a comfortable temperature. Both cooked meats and safe vegetables (in small amounts) should be prepared plain, either boiled or baked, and can be served alone or mixed with cat food.

You can even try making a broth using bones and vegetables (without seasoning or salt). Use this lukewarm broth to moisten dry or wet food. This can also help increase your cat’s fluid intake, which is important in winter too. However, if your cat refuses the food prepared this way, don’t force it.

Should we warm the cat’s water?

It’s unnecessary to warm the cat’s drinking water, but it’s essential to replace it with fresh water multiple times a day to prevent it from getting too cold or freezing.

How much food should outdoor cats get in winter?

It’s recommended to increase an outdoor cat’s calorie intake by about 10% during winter. However, monitor their weight closely—if they start gaining too much weight, revert to their usual portions. While it’s normal for outdoor animals to gain some weight in winter, avoid obesity. If your cat is already overweight, this increase doesn’t apply.

If you’re uncertain, consult your veterinarian, who knows your cat and its medical history.