Cats Outside Overwinter?

Hello Dr. McGraw and Dr. Meek,

Do you think cats would be OK outside in the winter if they have a small heated outdoor cat house to be in when they chose. They would still be fed of course.
This would be in Coeur d’Alene, but the winters are pretty similar…

Thanks,
Mariah

Hello Mariah,

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. To answer your question, as long as your cats are not hairless cats, they should be fine outside during the winter if you provide:

• a warm place for them to sleep -- a heated kitty house would be fine if they like to use it --access to a garage would be even better
• fresh water it is important that the water not be ice-covered or frozen
  
• food (of course!)
  
• and a place to go potty (cat's do not really like to walk in the snow or dig in the snow to go potty -- so a litter box when there is snow would be greatly appreciated!)
• It would be best if they were outside over the fall as well so they could grow a thick coat of hair. Strictly indoor cats tend not to grow a really thick haircoat over the winter, and so to throw a cat outside when it hasn't been accustomed to cold nights would be kind of cruel.
  

As I am sure you are aware, outdoor kitties have greater chances to get injured by vehicles, neighborhood dogs and cats, and wild animals. We recommend that cats be kept inside if possible. I realize that in some cases it is not possible, and that some cats just prefer to be outside.

Hope that answers your question!