If you have a kitty that lives outdoors all or even part of the time, now is the time of year that you’re probably asking yourself, “How cold can outdoor cats handle?” It’s an important question. Super fluffy, long-haired, and even big-boned felines might seem like they’re built for winter weather. But when Jack Frost appears, it’s a safe bet that he’s nipping not only at your furbaby’s nose, but also his toes, tail, ears, and whole body, furry or not. Experts agree that cats left outside when the mercury drops, particularly when precipitation is present, are at risk for a host of serious health issues.

And while different cats can tolerate different temperatures, with some breeds better able to endure Old Man Winter than others, it’s important to note that all cats live longer, healthier lives indoors rather than out. According to Julie Hunt, Veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, unlike their free-roaming brethren, indoor-only cats are safe from common traumas, like being hit by a car or attacked by another animal, and becoming lost. They are also exposed to fewer infectious diseases, parasites, and toxins, including antifreeze, lawn chemicals, and rat poison.

“As a result,” Dr. Hunt says, “an indoor-only cat that is well cared for is likely to live into its teens (12-17 years). The average lifespan of an outdoor cat is approximately 2-5 years of age.”

While the debate about whether or not cats should be allowed outside is sure to continue, one thing is certain: Fluffy should be brought indoors when the temperatures hit freezing, if not before. To find out more about how cold is too cold for cats, what can happen if they’re left outside in frigid weather, and much more, we checked in with Dr. Hunt, as well as Dr. Jennifer Bruns, DVM, MPVM, senior director of vet relations at PetSmart Veterinary Services.

How cold can outdoor cats handle?

Some felines, including the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat, are better equipped to handle winter weather than other kitties, thanks to adaptations like long hair, thick fur, and tufted paws. But Dr. Bruns notes that even these well-insulated breeds may become uncomfortable in temperatures below 45°F and are not immune to the dangers of extreme cold, wind, or dampness. In general, she says, “Temperatures between 32°F to 45°F are considered to be uncomfortable for cats; they’re seen as fine for short periods of time, but prolonged exposure can pose risks and should be avoided.”

This is especially true if the weather is wet, with rain, sleet, snow, or high humidity making low temperatures even more perilous for outdoor cats. They may seek warmth in unsafe locations, such as car engines, adding an extra element of danger to an already risky situation. However, it’s when temperatures fall to below freezing (32°F) that Dr. Bruns considers conditions actively dangerous for cats, with what she terms high risks of frostbite or hypothermia, especially in more vulnerable cats such as kittens.

Can a cat get sick from being outside in the cold?

The ability of a kitty to tolerate the cold depends greatly on his physical condition. Cats with shorter, thinner fur will obviously be less comfortable at cooler temperatures than cats with a dense, double coat. But according to Dr. Hunt, “The biggest consideration in cold tolerance is age; young and old cats are less able to regulate their body temperatures than healthy adult cats. Cats that are underweight or have health problems (cardiac, respiratory, renal, liver, or infectious diseases, etc) will also struggle more in cold weather.”

Just like people, cats with arthritis will have to endure more aches and pains in cold weather. And Dr. Hunt says that because cold weather stresses a cat’s system, it can make your cat more likely to develop illnesses that they otherwise might have warded off. For example, a cat exposed to an infectious disease is more likely to become ill if he is also subjected to cold stress. But the biggest concern for kitties exposed to the cold is the potential for frostbite—especially on the ears, paws, and tail—and hypothermia.

How long it will take for these conditions to set in depends on the weather and the cat. However, there are signs you should keep an eye out for if your cat has been exposed to cold temperatures. “Cats that are suffering from, or nearing, hypothermia may shiver, have difficulty getting up and moving around, and have very cold extremities (ear tips, paws, etc),” Dr. Hunt notes. “Their gums may be pale, and they may act confused or uncoordinated. Cats demonstrating these signs should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.”

Do cats get cold inside the house?

The short answer is yes. Domestic cats’ ancestors hailed from the Middle East, and Dr. Bruns notes that the optimal air temperature for most cats is around 65°F to 75°F. “However, they actually prefer warmer environments,” she adds, “with their ideal range around 86-97°F. Warmer temperatures best accommodate their thermoneutral zone, which is where they don’t need extra energy to warm up or cool down.”

So even if your home is comfy to you, it may be too chilly for your four-legged friend, particularly if you keep your house on the cooler side. According to Dr. Hunt, behaviors that indicate your cat is cold include:

• curling up tightly to conserve body heat, or laying on their bellies with all four feet curled under them

• burrowing under blankets or spending time near a heat source, like a heating vent if they’re inside, or a dryer vent if they’re outside

• cuddling up with a feline friend to preserve warmth

• meowing or otherwise complaining vocally to humans

Whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor cat, if you notice these signs, bring him into a warm room that’s between 70°F to 80°F. The goal is a slow, gentle rewarming, according to Dr. Hunt. You don’t want to rapidly or drastically warm the cat, because this can result in further stress to his body systems and lead to overcorrecting into hyperthermia. “If the cat is wet, dry it off,” Dr. Hunt adds. “If desired, the cat can be given a heated bed or a low-wattage cat heating pad, but if this is provided, you must make sure that the cat can leave the bed or pad when it wants to.”

Can stray cats survive outside in the winter?

If you live in an area where the mercury dips below 45°F, there are steps you can take to help your local feral or neighborhood cats. Giving them access to a warm, dry place to rest, especially at night, is crucial for their survival in winter weather, Dr. Bruns says. Heated cat houses and beds are a good solution, as long as you have an enclosed space on your property where you can tuck them away. When DIY-ing a shelter, be sure to provide plenty of insulation. “Using straw for bedding instead of blankets or towels will help keep them warm and better prevent them from getting wet,” Dr. Bruns says.

Cats expend more energy in cold temperatures, so be sure to provide outdoor cats with extra food and water. Both Dr Hunt and Dr. Bruns suggest using heated bowls to prevent freezing. Lastly, before you start your car, make sure you tap the hood to alert any cats curled up inside the engine that they’re going to need to vacate the premises.

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