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Vet shares exact temperature that's dangerously cold for cats to be outside.
Summary
A vet from Bath Veterinary Group said temperatures below 0°C are 'dangerously cold' for cats and that owners were encouraged to keep cats indoors; the article also outlines temperature ranges with rising risk and mentions hypothermia, frostbite and antifreeze poisoning as hazards.
Content
A vet from Bath Veterinary Group shared guidance on when outdoor temperatures become unsafe for cats, noting specific temperature ranges and associated risks. The advice was published alongside a short video and aims to help owners recognise when their cats may need extra warmth or shelter. The piece outlines common cold-related harms for cats and lists signs that may indicate illness. It also highlights the danger posed by antifreeze if pets ingest contaminated puddles.
Reported guidance:
- The vet reported that temperatures of 10–19°C are generally safe for cats, though elderly cats or those with thin coats may need extra warmth.
- The vet reported that 7–9°C can be potentially uncomfortable for cats and that warm shelter is advisable.
- The vet reported that 6–0°C represents a medium health risk and that providing shelter and warmth is important for all cats.
- The vet reported that temperatures under 0°C are described as dangerously cold, with a high risk of frostbite and hypothermia; owners were encouraged to keep cats indoors and warm.
- The article lists cold-related conditions including hypothermia, frostbite and worsening arthritis, and describes hypothermia signs as shivering, pale lips and gums, low energy and loss of coordination; frostbite signs include skin becoming pale with a blue-white hue, especially on ears, tail and toes.
- The article reports that antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is highly toxic to cats, that small amounts can be fatal, and lists early signs such as staggering, excessive thirst, vomiting and, in severe cases, seizures and kidney failure.
Summary:
The article reports specific temperature ranges and associated health risks for cats, saying temperatures below 0°C carry the highest risk of frostbite and hypothermia and noting antifreeze as an additional hazard. Undetermined at this time.
