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An elderly Hispanic woman in a puffy jacket and floral apron shovels snow while a fluffy orange cat swats at the snowbank. 29 / 33

Abuela Carmen Went Out to Shovel the Snow. Mango Thought It Was a Game.

AI imageorange catsnow daywinter

A fresh snowfall has blanketed the neighborhood, and Abuela Carmen is out early with her shovel. She's bundled in a navy puffer jacket with her floral apron tied right over it, glasses fogging slightly, pushing a scoop of snow off the driveway. Beside her, Mango has turned the snowbank into a playground. The fluffy orange cat crouches in the powder, one paw outstretched to swipe at the snow tumbling off her shovel, his long tail curled high and his amber eyes sparkling with mischief. Snowy rooftops, trash bins, and a frosted fence line the quiet street behind them.

Long-haired cats like Mango have plenty of insulation, but snow brings its own challenges for a fluffy coat. Snow can cling to long fur and form icy little clumps, especially between the toes and on the belly, which can be uncomfortable and chilly. After snow play, gently towel off and check paws for ice balls. Ear tips and toes are the parts most vulnerable to frostbite in very cold temperatures, so keep outdoor time short on bitter days and watch for shivering or reluctance to move. A warm, dry spot indoors and plenty of fresh water help cats bounce back after a wintry adventure.

Mango is clearly having more fun with the snow than Carmen is, but she doesn't seem to mind her playful helper one bit. The driveway will get cleared eventually; for now, winter has never looked so cheerful.

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