Is there a specific low temperature that is unsafe for cats?

Question

Ok, we've got a long-haired cat, and we let her come in our house, and also go outside when she wants. Her happy medium is the garage. (I live in Michigan, and it's snowing, and the temp is usually 19-35 degrees outside around now...) At night we've been keeping our cat in our cold garage, and she wants to come in, but we don't usually let her come inside at night. Is is a good idea to let her in the house to be safe? Is there an unsafe temperature for cats? Would it be helpful if I went out in the garage, and got the temperature out there so you guys have reference to build off of? Thanks!

*EDIT*
No particular reason, except my parents. We put her litter box in when we do let her in at night, and today I said we should let her in because it's getting cold out there in the garage. My dad said I would have to pay him 5$ to let her stay in tonight, but there's no real reason why not. I asked him, but he didn't have an answer. He's just crabby and I really need someone other than me to tell him that it's not safe. Hehe.

Answer 1

Five dollars to let your cat in? Grumpy old fart >:p

Any temperature that is dangerous to humans is dangerous to cats. That's why feral cats congregate in sewers (because it's relatively warm).

Tell your Dad if he won't let the poor thing in he's being cruel and vindictive for no other reason than to be cruel and vindictive. Better yet, tell him you'll charge HIM five bucks per day that you don't report him to animal control.

Answer 2

The cat's ability to deal with the cold temps depends on it's overall health, all, etc.
Letting a cat in and out of a warm place sometimes hurts it's winter coat. But, I would always err on the side of caution and keep the cat warm, and safe indoors.
Is there a reason you do not want the cat in your house? The cat obviously enjoys your companionship and that is probably why she wants in.
Is there a way to make your garage a little warmer for her, if you will not keep her inside?

Answer 3

try putting a $10 space heater in there and a rug to keep its feet off the cold concrete but definitely dint put it outside and the cat body temp must stay above 102 or Else it would get sick at 98 they start shutting down after a few hours if that is what the body temp is i don't know the outside low-limit of heat is

Answer 4

Sounds to me like dad doesn't really like cats. Or could he be allergic to them? It really isn't fair to the animal to keep her out in the cold all winter. When we take pets into our lives we owe them a commitment of care and comfort to some degree at the least. Perhaps if dad won't cooperate you could fix up a box lined with newspaper and an old blanket that she could get into for extra warmth. If possible place the box on several layers of newspaper to keep the cold from creeping up into the box from the cold floor.
Please dad can't you just open up one little soft spot for your kid's pet? What harm will it do to give the animal a little comfort and kindness?
Sincerely,
LL