Grandma and Grandpa Were Shoveling the Driveway. One Snowbank Had Eyes.
The snow came down overnight, and now the driveway is buried. Frank, in a navy puffer vest over his cream sweater, and Edna, in a plum winter jacket, are both bent over their shovels, pushing a fresh pile to the side with gloved hands. They are watching the snowbank closely, and for good reason. Duchess has waded right into it. With her white fur against the white snow, she is almost invisible except for her flat face, wide eyes, and the pink of her nose. She crouches low, front paws in the powder, looking both thrilled and a little offended by the cold.
Most cats, especially indoor breeds like Persians, are not built for long stretches in snow. Short supervised outings are fine for a curious cat, but keep them brief and bring her in at the first sign of shivering or lifted paws. Snow clumps easily in long fur, so towel her off and check between her toes when she comes inside. Ice-melting salts and some de-icing products can irritate paws and are harmful if licked, so wipe paws after outdoor time. Antifreeze is extremely toxic to cats, even in tiny amounts, so clean up any spills in garages and driveways right away.
Edna and Frank may have to keep a close eye on that snowbank before tossing another shovelful on it. In a yard full of white, the fluffiest pile might just be the cat.
