Do cats feel the cold?

Cats aren’t known for their love of the cold, and it makes sense why: their desert ancestry means they love the heat. Alongside this, they have a higher body temperature compared to us, so the cold can impact them more.

But how much can they feel the cold, and what temperature is too cold for cats? When does it reach a level where they can really feel not at their best? As a concerned pet parent, you probably ask yourself questions like "how do I know if my cat is cold?"

We like to know how our family members are feeling, so read on to find out all about cats, the cold, and how you can help them here.

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Do cats feel the cold, and if so, how much?

Just like us, cats can feel the cold, despite their furry coats. They are warm-blooded animals that need to maintain their temperature at a steady level to remain healthy. If their temperature drops too low, they can run into complications.

How chilly they feel will depend on multiple factors including their age, coat type, and health status - more on this later!

What temperature is too cold for cats (Celsius)?

Here is our cat temperature guide for pet parents:

• 9°C-7°C - Not comfortable. Cats will seek warm shelter, and hairless cats will start feeling the cold well before this.

• 6°C to 0°C - It’s risky. Cats definitely need good warmth and shelter now. Prolonged exposure at this temperature can cause major problems.

• Below 0°C - Danger zone. Poses a high risk of hypothermia and frostbite in cats. Get them inside ASAP.

Why are cats less tolerant of the cold?

Ancestry

Our domestic cats have descended from the desert-inhabiting African wildcats, which have adapted to arid, dry climates.

This means many cats are well-adapted to hot temperatures, but not necessarily cold ones. They have an innate preference for warm places, like a radiator or your lap, and have a strong dislike of the cold.

Body size

Cats are naturally quite small, meaning they’re more prone to losing body heat quicker than a larger animal.

Higher body temperature

Cats have a warmer body temperature than us, falling between 38 and 39 Celsius. Since their body temperature is higher, there’s a bigger difference between their ideal body temperature and their environment, especially when it’s cold.

This means cats need to spend more energy to maintain their body heat when temperatures fall, leading to a quicker rate of cold-related problems, like hypothermia. It’s also why cats intuitively follow heat-preserving behaviours, like crawling into a ball.

Other factors that contribute to cold tolerance

Age

Very young or elderly cats will have a harder time staying warm in the cold. Thin animals may also struggle.

Coat type

Cats with thick double coats fare better in colder weather (we’ve covered the types of cats that have these in our best cats for cold climates guide), while those with thinner or hairless coats can struggle. Thick fur traps a layer of warm air against the body, providing an extra layer of insulation.

Health

Those dealing with underlying health issues can feel the cold more as they’re run down or suffering from circulation problems.

Can cats survive in the cold?

Cats can adapt to the cold for a short time, but they don’t want to be out there for long. All cats should be kept warm when the weather gets cold.

Cats will naturally seek out heat and shelter when the weather gets cold, like a shed or underneath a car. It’s less a question of “can a cat survive this?” and more of a question of providing them with a comfortable, humane place to thrive.

Cats are intelligent, adaptable creatures, but that doesn’t mean we should leave them out in the cold.

What about strays and wild cats?

You may wonder how strays and wild cats survive in the cold. While stray and wild cats have a significantly shorter lifespan than domestic cats, they try to adapt to their difficult life out in the wild.

Possible survival strategies for winter include:

• Huddling for warmth - Cats who live together will huddle together to share warmth.

• Reducing activity - Naturally, wild cats and strays will conserve energy in the day by resting, saving their energy for essential hunting times at dawn and dusk.

• Thicker coats - Cats will naturally grow a thicker coat in response to shorter daylight hours.

• Seeking shelter - Urban cats will typically find shelter in alleyways, abandoned buildings and under cars. Rural cats, meanwhile, will typically find barns or farm buildings to nestle in.

Helping strays and wild cats

As pet parents, we aren’t only concerned about our pets; we’re concerned and want to help any animals we can.

• Provide simple, insulated shelter: A rudimentary shelter can be created from a plastic storage bin or a Styrofoam cooler. Make sure there’s only one small, cat-sized entrance to help trap heat.

• Use straw, not blankets: Straw is the ideal bedding because it repels moisture, helping the cat stay dry and warm. Don’t use blankets, towels, or fabric, as these materials absorb moisture and can freeze, making the cat much colder.

• Make sure water bowls don’t freeze: Cats expend extra energy when consuming snow or ice. To prevent water bowls from freezing, you can use rubber bowls (which are less likely to crack than ceramic) or, ideally, a pet-safe heated water bowl.

• Offer dry food: Canned food may be easier to eat but it can freeze quickly. Dry kibble is preferred in severe cold, as feral or stray cats need extra calories when they’re outside continuously.

Signs your cat is too cold

Given their sensitivity to the cold, cats are prone to issues like frostbite and hypothermia. So, how can you tell if your cat is cold? Signs include:

Early signs

• Body position, like curling into a ball

• Cold to touch

• Seeking out warmth, like a fireplace or the sun

• Shivering

Severe signs (when you need to see a vet)

• Breathing changes

• Issues with coordination, like confusion, clumsiness, or difficulty walking

• Lethargy

• Loss of consciousness

• Muscle stiffness

• Pale, blue-tinged gums

• Slow heart rate

If your cat is showing these symptoms they may be suffering from hypothermia.

Signs of frostbite

Early signs

• Behavioural changes, like being distressed or slower than usual

• Cold, brittle skin

• Discoloured skin, particularly around the ears, paws or tail

• Signs of pain

Later signs (after the affected area thaws)

• Blisters

• Flaky, black skin

• Swelling, swollen skin

• Ulcers

Signs of hypothermia

Early signs

• Cold to the touch

• Lethargy

• Shivering

• Warmth-seeking activities

Severe signs

• Confusion

• Dilated pupils

• Loss of consciousness

• Muscle stiffness

• Pale, blue gums

• Slow, shallow breathing

• Weak pulse

Looking after your cat in the cold: quick tips

Keeping them safe and comfy indoors

• Create warm, cosy spaces - Your cat will appreciate things like elevated perches, heated beds and some extra blankets.

• Control drafts - Move beds away from doors and windows.

• Diet and calories - Your cat may naturally want to eat more in the winter, but if they’re in a warm home, they probably don’t need the extra food.

• Encourage indoor enrichment and play - Having some extra indoor play and enrichment can keep your cat engaged and warm them up a bit. Plus, if your cat usually likes some garden time, it’ll help stop them from getting bored.

Watching out for hidden outdoor dangers during cold weather

• Antifreeze toxicity - Antifreeze is majorly toxic to cats, so make sure you clean up any spills around your car. Absorb the spill with something dry, like sawdust, and dispose of it in a sealed bag. Then thoroughly clean the area with soap and warm water, rinsing well.

• Car safety - Tap your hood in the winter and check under your car before setting off. There’s a chance an outdoor cat may be resting there for warmth.

• Paw care - Cats can struggle with their paws in winter with irritants like road salt around. Keep on top of their paw care and wipe them regularly.

How cat insurance can help

Pet insurance is there for those unexpected accidents and illnesses, especially when the weather gets colder.

With our Complete Care cat insurance plan, you can get up to £20,000 in vet fee cover, 24/7 access to a video vet with all our plans and access to handpicked Perks for your pet.

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