PRESS RELEASE: (Interviews Offered) Winter Weight Gain: Top 5 Tips to Keep Indoor Cats Healthy and Active
Expert advice from Dr Claire Jenkins as part of the Cosy Cat Project, presented by Breeder’s Choice. This week focused on preventing winter weight gain and promoting healthier, more active indoor cats.
JUNE 2025: AUSTRALIA – As temperatures drop, indoor cats are more likely to curl up and slow down, leading to weight gain, restlessness and long-term health risks. But winter doesn’t have to mean a decline in feline fitness.
In the first release of the Cosy Cat Project, a winter initiative focused on supporting feline health and wellbeing, Breeder’s Choice shares practical, vet-approved advice for keeping cats healthy, comfortable and active throughout the colder months. According to Dr Claire Jenkins, Breeder’s Choice Vet Ambassador and founder of VetChat, a few small changes can make a big difference.
“It’s completely normal for cats to become less active in winter, but that shift can lead to weight gain and poor muscle tone if it’s not balanced with indoor enrichment or adjustments in diet,” says Dr Jenkins. “The key is to keep things stimulating. Whether it’s a new window perch, a feeding puzzle, or just short daily play sessions, anything that gets them moving helps protect their overall health.”
Dr Claire’s Top 5 Winter Tips for Healthy, Active Cats
1. Incorporate Play-Based Feeding
Don’t just stick to the food bowl – make mealtimes more enriching by using lick mats, puzzle feeders, or treat-dispensing toys. These encourage movement and tap into your cat’s natural hunting instincts. They’ll enjoy patting, pushing, batting and working to get their food out, turning feeding time into a fun and stimulating experience that’s both physically and mentally engaging.
2. Add Vertical Territory
Cat trees, shelves and window perches encourage climbing, movement and mental stimulation, all vital for indoor cats during the winter lull.
3. Schedule Short Play Sessions
Aim for multiple 5–10 minute play bursts each day. Wand toys, feather teasers and laser games all help burn energy and keep your cat mentally sharp.
4. Watch the Treats
Stick to high-protein, species-appropriate treats like those from the Breeder’s Choice range, and reduce main meal portions slightly to balance any extras.
5. Monitor Their Weight
Even minor weight gain can strain a cat’s joints and organs. Monitor your pet’s body condition and consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes.
“Prevention is much easier than reversing weight gain in cats,” adds Dr Jenkins. “By keeping their minds and bodies active during winter, we’re not only avoiding seasonal weight gain, we’re protecting their long-term wellbeing too.”
About the Cosy Cat Project
Running through June and July, the Cosy Cat Project is a winter wellbeing initiative from Breeder’s Choice, offering timely, expert-backed advice to support feline health. Through a mix of media releases, blogs, social content and influencer storytelling, the campaign is designed to help every cat stay healthy, warm and well this winter.
For interviews with Dr Claire Jenkins, high-res images, product samples or further information, contact:
Missy Mischief PR & Creative
Amanda Kuhn
[email protected]
0410 570 993
