Amberlee, though it sound unlikely that a cat would stop eating for reasons other than not being well, that your accounts are as you say, probably "old wives tales". In fact, I have noticed that when the weather begins to cool off in October, that my furkids will start to put on weight with lots of eating. And then in the spring, when the weather begins to warm up in April, that they do not eat much. Also, I have noticed that my torbie's and tortie's coats will change color to a darker hue in the winter months, and lighter in the summer.

......wayne