cats in winter

[ali177]

i have 2 cats who happily stay out at night at the moment as the weather is mild. but wat about when the temperature drops and the snow begins in winter. they have cat houses but is it cruel to leave them out in freezing conditions.do they feel the cold like us?

[RATTER15]

Put a cat flap in your door like everybody else, so they can come and go at will!!

[jules77]

When I had a cat many years ago, I kept him in the house after 7pm as if he went out after that I couldnt get him back in again until the early hours - and yes I believe cats do feel the cold, someone will probably have a different opinion though!!!

[Kleiber]

Please don't leave your cats out at night, if you can help it_-that's when they're more likely to get run over. I've got a cat flap which 4 of mine use, but the fifth one is so thick, she can't work it out, so I just call her in when it gets dark. If they come when called then I'd just suggest giving them a shout when it's bed-time!

[lankeela]

Cats are not stupid, if they want to come in they will. You say they happily stay out so I presume you give them the opportunity to come in, so I'd leave it up to them. They have got fur coats on after all. Most of mine have come in at night for their dinner and stayed in, but if they asked to go out I have let them. They would soon find somewhere warm to hunker down if they wanted to.

[taperface]

A cat flap is definitely the answer! You can also get the magnetic type, which after putting a collar on your cat, will allow it to enter and leave without other animals being able to follow.