Cats in Cold Weather: When to Keep Them In
Short answer. Cats are not built for the cold. The RSPCA suggests keeping them inside overnight when it drops below about 7 to 8°C, keeping the cat flap clear of ice, and an indoor litter tray. Cornell Feline Health Center advises checking wheel arches and banging on the bonnet before starting the car. Not veterinary advice.
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When to keep cats in
The RSPCA says cats do best between 10 and 25°C, that long spells below 10°C risk hypothermia, frostbite and breathing problems, and that cats are best kept inside overnight when it falls below about 7 to 8°C. Cornell Feline Health Center goes further and advises keeping cats indoors at all times in cold weather. Sources: RSPCA, How to help cats in cold weather; Cornell Feline Health Center, Cold weather tips for cats.
Cat flaps and litter trays
The RSPCA warns that ice or snow can block a cat flap and shut a cat out, and suggests an indoor litter tray, ideally one per cat plus one. It also says cats may eat more in winter to keep warm. Source: RSPCA, How to help cats in cold weather.
Cars and engines
Cats shelter in engine bays and wheel arches. Cornell advises checking the wheel wells and sounding the horn or banging on the bonnet before starting; the RSPCA says the same and adds checking sheds and outbuildings for trapped cats. Sources: Cornell Feline Health Center, Cold weather tips for cats; RSPCA, How to help cats in cold weather.
Antifreeze and rock salt
Cornell calls antifreeze extremely toxic to cats and says its taste attracts them. The RSPCA says rock salt and grit can cause thirst, vomiting and lethargy, and in severe cases convulsions and kidney damage, and to contact a vet straight away if poisoning is suspected. Full page: antifreeze poisoning. Sources: Cornell Feline Health Center, Cold weather tips for cats; RSPCA, How to help cats in cold weather.
Older cats
The RSPCA says elderly, very young and hairless cats are most at risk, and that arthritic joints get stiffer in the cold, so warm bedding and ramps help. Source: RSPCA, How to help cats in cold weather.
Outdoor and stray cats
The RSPCA suggests an insulated, waterproof shelter lined with blankets or towels and fresh water every day, because outdoor water freezes. Cornell suggests raising shelters off the ground and using straw rather than hay or cloth as bedding. Sources: RSPCA, How to help cats in cold weather; Cornell Feline Health Center, Cold weather tips for cats.
Sources
- RSPCA, How to help cats in cold weather, read 7 November 2026.
- Cornell Feline Health Center, Cold weather tips for cats, read 7 November 2026.
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