A veterinary surgeon from Bath has issued a critical warning to pet owners about the dangers of letting cats roam outdoors in freezing temperatures. Extreme cold can pose serious health threats to cats, including hypothermia, frostbite, arthritis flare-ups, and antifreeze poisoning. For these reasons, keeping cats indoors during dangerously cold weather is essential.
While most pet owners understand the risks of hot weather—such as dehydration and paw burns—cold conditions are equally hazardous. Cats exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures can suffer severe health consequences, often without clear ways to signal their distress.
Dave, a veterinary surgeon at Bath Veterinary Group, shared detailed temperature guidelines in a TikTok video to help owners determine when it’s safe for their cats to be outside:
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10 to 19°C: Generally safe for most cats, but elderly or thin-coated cats may require extra warmth.
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7 to 9°C: Cats may feel uncomfortable; providing warm shelter is recommended.
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6 to 0°C: Medium health risk; all cats need shelter and warmth as prolonged exposure is hazardous.
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Below 0°C: Dangerously cold with high risk of frostbite and hypothermia; cats should be kept indoors.
Hypothermia occurs when a cat’s core body temperature drops to dangerously low levels, often due to extended exposure to cold or wet weather. Signs include trembling, pale lips and gums, lethargy, and loss of balance. Frostbite commonly affects extremities like ears, tails, and paws, presenting as pale or blue-white skin.
Another pressing danger comes from antifreeze—a toxic chemical found in vehicles. Ethylene glycol in antifreeze is lethal to cats even in small amounts if ingested, often by licking the substance off surfaces where it has dripped or pooled. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include staggering, excessive thirst, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, seizures, and ultimately kidney failure.
If you notice signs of hypothermia, frostbite, or antifreeze poisoning in your cat, seek veterinary care immediately. Prioritizing warmth and safety can help protect your feline friend during the cold months ahead.