Your cat's fur can keep it warm, but the cold still poses serious risks. Try to imagine how you would feel if you had to stay outside in the cold for a while, even if you were wearing your winter coat. Just like humans, cats can suffer from hypothermia if left outside in the cold for too long. Hypothermia can be fatal in extreme cases.
A number of factors can cause insufficient heat, and your cat may feel cold. If you usually let your cat outside, remember that you'll have to bring him back inside sooner now that winter has arrived. This is especially the case for kittens, short-haired cats, and sick or recovering cats.
Cat owners should remember that they should never release an indoor cat outside when it is wet. Even if you are indoors, you should dry your cat off immediately if you give it a bath or if it gets wet in cold weather. Make sure there is no way for your cat to escape indoors; if he escapes and can't find a way back in, hypothermia can set in before you find out something is wrong.
If your body temperature is too low, you are at risk of developing a medical condition called hypothermia. In order to keep vital organs healthy, the body shuts down less important functions, including circulation to the extremities, causing frostbite.
If hypothermic, your cat is shaking, moving slowly, and breathing shallowly. Your cat will eventually become unresponsive and die. So make sure your pet is warm.
However, rewarming an animal too soon can do more harm than good. Don't give in to the temptation to soak your pet in hot water. Go slowly and gradually heat the room. Do your best to keep your pet warm by placing him in a warm environment and covering him with blankets.
For quick drying, you can even put a towel in the dryer. You can also use washcloths or hot water bottles. You can use a hair dryer, but only if you hold it a safe distance from your cat and turn the heat down. If your cat is starting to feel hotter, a warm bath can be quite beneficial; but if you want to take it out again to go to the clinic, you should probably avoid doing it after the bath.
Always consult your veterinarian first. Even if you are very careful, your pet may escape you at one time or another. If your cat shows signs of hypothermia, you can use these warming measures to preserve your pet's life, and your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the next steps to take.