Cats can survive outside in winter, but cold weather can be dangerous, especially without shelter, food, and unfrozen water. The safest option is to bring pet cats indoors in very cold weather and only allow outdoor access with a way to get back inside.

How cold is too cold?

Experts warn that around freezing and below (about 0–7 °C / 32–45 °F) the risk of hypothermia and frostbite rises quickly, particularly if the cat is wet, thin, old, very young, or not used to being outdoors. Prolonged exposure below freezing without proper shelter can be life‑threatening.

Outdoor vs. indoor cats

Feral or community cats that live outdoors year‑round grow thicker coats and learn where to find shelter and food, so they generally cope better with winter than indoor-only pets suddenly stuck outside. Indoor cats that get out in winter are at much higher risk because they lack both the coat and the outdoor survival habits.

How to help a cat outside

If a cat must be outside, you can make it much safer by:

• Providing a small, insulated, dry shelter lined with straw (not blankets, which hold moisture).

• Offering extra food and making sure water does not freeze, for example with heated bowls or frequently changed water.

• Giving the cat easy access back indoors, such as a cat flap, especially in very bad weather.

If you tell more about your winter temperatures and whether the cat is usually indoors or outdoors, more specific guidance can be suggested.