Outside cat help?

by America Stewart
(Bellefontaine, Ohio America)

My family ended up with a stray cat on the condition that it would be an outside cat. It is an older male kitten and shorthaired.


We live in Ohio and it gets really cold in the winter. Does anyone know around what point you need to bring the cat in for the day or night so they don’t freeze?

I know cats are tough but I also know it's hard to survive in below zero temperatures and I can’t help worrying. Also is there anything else I should know about keeping outside cats?

Thank you so much!

Comments for Outside cat help?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Outside/Inside
by: Randy

Turn him into an inside cat. You won't be sorry if he isn't totally feral. And your kitty will thank you!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you so much
by: America

Thank you for replying and your info! This is my first cat so I want to make sure I know how to take care of it properly.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Depends on the temperature
by: Jim W.

It all depends on the temperature. If it's below 45 degrees F, I'd bring the cat in. I'd also set up an outside shelter like they do for feral cats. You can use a plastic container and a large styrofoam cooler.

Outside cats are subject to dangers that indoor cats are not. They tend to live shorter lives, and they are more at risk for injuries and disease.

I would take the cat to the vet and get all the vaccines they give outside cats, and get the cat a check-up at least once a year. That should help. Make sure he has access to fresh water at all times (this is true for all cats, inside or out).

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Cat Questions.