Most cats should not be left outside in cold weather for long, especially near or below freezing. Even “outdoor” or feral cats have limits and can develop hypothermia or frostbite.
General safe temperatures
Most sources agree that cats are most comfortable at roughly typical indoor room temperatures, around 68–72°F (20–22°C), though their ideal “thermal neutral zone” is even warmer. Healthy adult cats can generally tolerate outdoor temperatures down to about 45–50°F (7–10°C) for limited periods if they are dry and have shelter. Once temperatures drop below about 45°F, time outside becomes increasingly risky, and cats should not be left out for extended periods.
When it becomes dangerous
Veterinary guidance commonly treats 45°F (7°C) as the point where prolonged exposure starts to be unsafe for many cats, especially small, thin-coated, very young, or older cats. At temperatures below freezing (32°F / 0°C), all cats are at significant risk of hypothermia and frostbite if they stay outside without proper, insulated shelter. Around or below about 20°F (−6°C), survival outside without excellent shelter becomes very unlikely after more than a short period.
Factors that change tolerance
Cold tolerance varies with body size, coat type, age, health, and acclimation. Larger, long‑haired breeds such as Maine Coons or Norwegian Forest Cats cope better with cool weather than small, thin, hairless, very young, or senior cats, but even these “winter” breeds should not be left in freezing or near‑freezing conditions for long. Outdoor or community cats may grow thicker coats and learn to find shelter, yet they still suffer frostbite and hypothermia in freezing temperatures, especially when wet or exposed to wind.
Key temperature guide
Here is a simplified temperature guide for how long it is reasonable for a healthy adult cat to be outside if dry and with access to shelter; vulnerable cats (kittens, seniors, sick, thin, or hairless) need stricter limits.
Outside temperature| Typical risk for cats*
---|---
60–70°F (15–21°C)| Comfortable for short or long periods. 12
50–60°F (10–15°C)| Generally safe but some cats (thin, arthritic, sick) may be
uncomfortable. 145
45–50°F (7–10°C)| Short periods usually OK for healthy adults; higher risk for
small, young, elderly, or thin‑coated cats. 145
32–45°F (0–7°C)| Prolonged exposure unsafe for most cats; bring pets indoors,
limit outdoor time. 1234
Below 32°F (0°C)| High risk of hypothermia and frostbite; cats should not be
left outside without warm, insulated shelter. 2348
*Assumes no rain/snow and at least some access to shelter. If asking about a specific cat, sharing its age, health, and local temperatures can help narrow advice, but as a rule, if it feels cold to a person in a coat, the cat should not be left outside for long.
