Expert: Jessica - 8/12/2009

Question
Hello,

I don't know whether this is your area of expertise or not, but could you tell me if there is a certain temperature where cats should be brought indoors or can they prettymuch endure any cold weather. I live in Ohio and our winters can get pretty cold at times. Just wanted to ask someone in the know.

Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Brian.  I live in Rhode Island, so we experience winters similar to yours, and working with feral cats who stay outdoors all year round, we do see at least some cats who freeze to death every year.  Very unfortunately, they can’t weather the harshest elements.

We actually have an anti-cruelty law here that states animals must not be left outside for longer than 2 hours when the temperature drops below 40 degrees, and they must be given some form of shelter (a doghouse lined with blankets or hay, etc.) during that time.  I think this is a fine idea.  If your kitty goes in and out as it pleases, you may want to consider buying or building it a small house that it can go into if the temperature gets chilly and you’re not there to immediately let it in.

When the temperature hits 20 degrees, all animals are in danger of developing hypothermia, and certainly frostbite on the ears and feet within only an hour.  Although some withstand the cold better than others, it’s difficult to say which ones will be lucky.  It all depends on the animal’s coat, its fat layer and the general tolerance of the pet.  We do see cats who make it through winter after winter, and some who don’t make it through any.  But I would definitely bring in your cat on any day where the temperature is forecasted to be below freezing, or when high winds, freezing rain or heavy snow are expected.