Personally, I am not a big fan of keeping cats outside, even letting them outside. Nevertheless I am perfectly aware of that this is a common practice, especially in rural areas.

During winter time though, I absolutely recommend to keep the animals inside. Cats are very seldom able to withstand the cold temperatures and dampness. When temperatures are low, domestic outdoor cats and feral cats often seek warmth under the hoods of cars. This can lead to injuries and death from fans and belts when the engine gets started.
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