Cat outside in freezing temps

[Pyjamageddon]

A neighbour's cat (I don't know which neighbour for sure) spends a lot of time outside even in these freezing temperatures. I'm a bit worried about it as it's only a small thing but it is long haired if that makes a difference? When I come home from work it runs up to me shouting and is ever so friendly, purring its little head off. It was out in minus 3 this afternoon. Last week it was sat outside all day in the pouring rain
Is this ok? Not ok? If not ok, what would you do?

Do you know if it has a cat flap and is able to get in and out at will? One of my cats is similar, outside in all weathers - but we have a cat flap and they do as they wish!

Depends on the cat. Some cats just love being outside, no matter the weather. Other cats (like our current one) doesn't step foot outside unless it's summer.

I wouldn't be too concerned if it seems well looked after in all other ways.

No it’s not ok. Few cats would be outside in minus 3 willingly.

If it’s mine, it’s because she’s a bloody nutter. Had to grab her and force her inside this evening.

Though I’m not sure she’d purr. Wobble her head at you and cross her eyes, maybe.

One of mine does. Rain or shine. Snow or ice. If the door opens he's out.

He didn't come in last night but was waiting this morning. Hasn't gone out all day but is now pacing and yowling to go out again.

Mine is same as @BattleSymphony won’t step foot outside unless summer and even then I have to be with her .. she runs for the door if she thinks I’m going in. Wins the Britain’s Biggest baby cat 🐈.
But as to the original post, I’d be concerned if I saw a cat outside due to weather conditions.

Mine went out. I stood at the door hoping she would have a wee and run back in. She jumped over the fence. I'd set a reminder on Alexa to shout her in after an hour. I actually tapped on the window 20 minutes later and she came in.

My cats have been in and out most of the day from early morning. As long as your neighbour's cat can get inside if it wants to then there's nothing wrong with seeing it outside on very cold days.

Some mixed responses there! Thanks all for your input. Cat looks well cared for, doesn't have matted fur. I don't think anyone round here has a cat flap so unlikely to be able to get inside unless the owner calls it in.
I don't know, it just feels a bit off to me, when it's so icy cold out there.

A neighbours cat us currently asleep in my house. It's old, they dobt have a cat flap and are out a lot. He'll go out again when he wants . I know others frown on this but I can t chuck him out in this weather.

Ours hates using the litter tray so regardless of temp goes out to the toilet in our garden. (We had quite a bit of snow this week and DP ended up carrying her in and out because she hates snow as much as the litter tray!) She’s never out if we’re out of the house, or overnight though.

We had neighbours who left their two cats out 24/7. They were not allowed inside at all. They were also underfed. It’s so upsetting but as others say, perhaps the car has a car flap and just likes being outside. Does it have a collar? Does it seem hungry?I would try and track down the owners and have a word. If they are not responsive and you think the cat is being abused, can you give it somewhere warm to sleep?

If she wants to come in out of the cold I’d let her.

I have 4 cats. 2 are in a permanent state of being glued to a radiator, the other 2 are out more than they're in. It really does depend on the cat, some just aren't bothered. If they're outdoor cats they'll have grown a nice thick coat by now. Cats are great at finding shelter, but if you're worried you could put a box out with some straw or newspaper in.

You can put a paper collar on to find out if iIt has an owner.

They should always be able to access water and shelter in my opinion.

There is nothing to say this one hasn't got that

If you are worried about the weather maybe cut a hole in the side of a big plastic box (sand the rough edges and give it a lip so water can't seep in. Buy a bag of stray and stick an old towel in it.

Don't feed it but giving it some shelter may make you feel better and the cat may or may not use it but it won't cost much.

*straw not stray

Too many people have a cat a shut it outside every night no matter how cold and won't let them in the house. No it's not ok for a little cat to be shut out in the cold. I'd let it iny house. I do let one in quite often as it is friendly with my cats. It comes late at night so I let it in the kitchen with underfloor heating on and I have 2 spare cat baskets. It leaves about 7.30am each morning. I have a cat flap in kitchen so it could leave if it had anywhere warm to go but obviously does not. It has been coming overnight for about 4 years. It comes in daytime sometimes too but not very often. I give him a few crunchies overnight and he always eats them all.

And you are probably the reason someones cat doesn't go home at night. 3 months ours was 'missing' for, because he was choosing other people's homes over our own.

I have 5 cats. The oldest (17 years) rarely leaves the radiator bed, 2 middle boys (8 and 4) are staying in more at the moment but still go out whenever they please. 2 young girls (18months) spend lots of time outside even now that it's minus 2. They then come running through the cat flap, yelling and jump up for a cuddle to warm up for a few minutes befire going out again. Microchip cat flap is always open for them all so it's their choice to be outside.

Out two cats who are new to us (two months) love being out in the frost and snow. We have a chip/enabled cat flap and at 7am in the morning they are both out having fun. If they could grin more, they would do.

My two neighbours either side feed my cat and let it inside. One neighbour says she had been sat on their kids knee on the sofa. So while I'm shouting my cat in they could be in their house. It annoys me. It's like they want a cat but non of the hassle.