Do cats get cold?

Question

I have a one year old neutered male cat who is generally indoors although despite the cold weather (18 degrees), he still likes to go outside. Sometimes he even stays out all night. Doesn't he get cold and he could he become ill or even freeze to death?

Answer 1

Of course cats do. And no, domestic cats are not equipped to handle freezing temperatures for extended periods of time. People have this mistaken belief that Fluffy has the same physical ability as a lynx or bobcat to weather winter weather. A domestic cat's coat is not thick enough, and a domestic cat does not have enough fat, to endure such conditions.

The best place for any domestic cat is indoors. Not only is weather a hazard, but other cats, other animals, motor vehicles, people, chemicals, etc. Cats left outdoors in the cold may seek the warmth of a car engine, which could result in terrible consequences.

Outdoor cats don't live as long as indoor cats for the above reasons.

Take your cat outdoors on a harness and leash.

I adopted a 10-year-old female last month who spent most of her life outdoors. She is now an indoor cat in a small apartment. She has not shown one bit of interest in going outdoors. I will take her out on a harness and a leash in the spring, as I did with my previous cat.

It is downright inhumane to leave a cat outdoors in sub-freezing temperatures overnight.

Answer 2

Absolutely he could freeze to death or get sick. He probably has a spot he goes to get warm and out of the weather. Cats and dogs can handle the cold better than humans, but they still get cold and sick, and yes, even freeze to death.

Answer 3

Hi there...cats can suffer from hypothermia and die if the temperature is below freezing (32 degrees) outdoors. Hypothermia disorients the mind and makes the body slow down and very drowsy, therefore if a cat is afflicted with hypothermia they are unable to know that they need to come home as their mind is affected greatly. Generally, the rule of thumb stated by veterinarians is "if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pet."

Please consider reading the following articles about how cold weather affects cats:
http://www.cozycatfurniture.com/cat_newsletters/catnewsletter16.html
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1383&articleid=933
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_coldweathertips

Answer 4

When I take my 4 month old kitten out on her leash and it is very cold, she shivers and shakes. I pick her up to warm her and she wants to get back down. When we go inside, she stands on her rear paws and scratches at the door for us to go back out. I know she is cold and I don't let her stay out for long periods of time. It is usually around 20 degrees F here in the Winter.

Answer 5

cats fur works alot better than you'd think...add that to a corner to block the air-then the way they sit in a ball...makes it warm enough for her.I know alot about cats but havent heard of a cold-the closest thing would be a respitory cold -but thats cause by a virus and caught from other cats...I suppose if a cat got out of the house and soaked with water -he may catch it on his own though.Its easy to tell though-they wheeze and have the snots running out

Answer 6

Cats do feel cold.My cat sometime sneezes.And if he stays outdoors at night he has a warm place where to sleep for sure.

Answer 7

yes cats do get cold and yes can freeze to death if the tempreture warrents such if an animals body tempreture drops low enough they get sick and can freeze to death

Answer 8

yes they get cold but by his own choice he is staying outside,so he must be finding someplace warm to curl up and sleep i wouldn't worry about him unless he comes home with frost bitten ears and tail or sniffling or something,believe me if he wanted in real bad he would be doing everything he could to get back in the house,my cat climbs the side of our house and trys to rip out the screens if i am a minute late letting her in when she is crying at the door and this is in the summer time,i cant imagine what she would do if she were outside for a second longer in the cold than she thought nessesary,if your boy is too cold and wants in he WILL let you know

Answer 9

cats are very smart ,they can find a hiding hole that will keep them warm,but yes they do get cold

Answer 10

yes they do but the fur makes it minor and there is a garuntee your cat will get ill because a cat shouldn't be used to that type of weather also most cats are stubborn.