Do Cats Like Snow?

When we think of animals that are avid snow lovers, cats do not immediately spring to mind. They prefer a warm cuddly blanket, and lying down in front of the fireplace.

This might not always be the case, however. Maybe you’ve been surprised to see your feline friend enjoying the falling snowdrops, and are wondering if this is actually normal? 

If you want to know more about the climates that cats prefer, keep reading, as we take a look at the topic below.

​Do Outdoor Cats Like The Snow?

Let’s start off by talking about the hardier, more robust outdoor cat and their preferences in relation to snow.

So do these outdoor loving cats actually dislike snowy weather, and could this cause them to spend an unusual amount of time indoors?

The answer is - probably not! Outdoor cats actually do not mind the snow as much as an indoor cat typically would. 

If your cat is an outdoor cat, then it is likely that they have already set outside of your house as a territory that they feel responsible for guarding.

This means that they view their home as their property, and then need to ward off any invading sources.

​This sense of responsibility will feel more important to your cat, than their dislike of snow. They will likely continue to go outside, despite the nature of the weather. 

Feral cats, in addition, also don’t mind the falling droplets. They can’t go inside to find a luxurious spot beside the fireplace, so they’ve learnt to put up with difficult weather conditions.

​Instead of taking refuge indoors, feral cats will attempt to find a warmer spot out of doors to keep them comfortable. For these cats, the snow is a nuisance, just like it can be for humans. Because of their thick fur, however, the cold won’t be too harsh for them.

​Do Indoor Cats Like The Snow?

Indoor cats, on the other hand, differ from their adventurous counterparts. They are far more adverse to the effects of the falling snow.

Your indoor cat will definitely prefer to remain inside where there is plenty of warmth. Even though their coat will be just as thick and heavy as the feral cats we mentioned above, they will only seek to use its protection if necessary. 

If you live in a region that experiences the four seasons as they change, you will likely start to notice as the summer months decline, and as we move into a chilly September, that your cat starts spending less and less time on the porch.

​Although they are lovers of the indoors, when it’s sunny outside, they will love lounging in your garden, but the same cannot be said for those chillier months. After they have returned indoors, they will likely not venture outside again until the weather returns to its warmer temperature.

​Safety Precautions For Keeping Your Cat Safe During Cold Weather

So a cat's regular body temperature falls somewhere between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees, this means that if they are left outside in temperatures below 45 degrees, they could be at risk of developing hypothermia, which can be fatal.

If this does end up happening, however, the best thing to do is immediately wrap them up in a warm towel or blanket, and rush them to a hospital to be treated. 

The cold demonstrated by the snow is not the only thing that can prove harmful for cats if they have no place of refuge.

​Dry air that is typical of colder months can also cause fatalities for our feline friends. Because the air is so dry, take care to provide them with plenty of water so that they don’t become dehydrated.

​How To Tell If My Cat Is Cold

If you aren’t sure of the signs to look out for that signify that your cat is struggling with a cold, there are a few things that you can watch out for. If your cat is suffering from hypothermia, they may display the following symptoms: 

• Dilation of the pupils 
• Lowered blood pressure
• Confused state
• Slowed down heartbeat
• Stiffness of the muscles
• Difficulty breathing
• In extreme cases, coma 

​Do Cats Dislike Snow More Than Rain?

If you’ve found that your cat doesn’t actually mind venturing outdoors when the snow is falling, but hates stepping outside in the rain, this can be explained.

The reason why they don’t mind the snow as much as the rain, is because the latter is far more likely to penetrate their fur, because it is immediately wetter.

​Once a cat's coat is penetrated, they can become cold, and even start to experience symptoms associated with hypothermia that we listed above. 

With snow on the other hand, because it does not dampen them immediately, they have the opportunity to shake off the droplets before they wet their fur.

​What Is The Best Temperature For Cats?

Like we mentioned above, the normal body temperature of cats is around 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that cats display a very similar resting body temperature to humans.

​This makes it fairly easy to determine what their ideal temperature is. Chances are that if you’re happy with the household temperature, your cat is too. 

As well as taking care of your cat during cooler climates, it’s also important to make sure that they are comfortable during the summer months. Because they typically have thick coats, they can get sun strokes. So, be sure to keep the AC running.

​Final Thoughts

Most cats do not like to venture outside into the snowy weather if they can help it. How adverse your cat is to the snow will be dependent on whether they are an indoor or outdoor cat.

​Make sure to look out for the signs of hypothermia in case your cat is struggling with the temperature.