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An older man in a knit cap and fishing vest shovels snow while a silver tabby cat paws at a fresh snowbank beside him. 31 / 35

Grandpa Hank Grabbed the Shovel to Clear the Driveway. Pewter Found the Snowbank.

AI imagesilver tabbysnow daywinter safety

Overnight snow has buried the driveway, and Grandpa Hank is out early with his shovel. Bundled in a gray knit cap, a hooded sweatshirt, and his fishing vest still loaded with lures and tools, he leans on the handle and pauses mid-scoop to grin at his helper. Pewter has climbed right onto the fresh snowbank beside the shovel, front paws sinking into the powder, ears forward and whiskers dusted with white, looking delighted and slightly puzzled by this cold, crunchy new playground. Behind them, the sidewalk curves past snow-covered shrubs, a fence capped with white, and a blue bin poking out of the drifts.

Some cats love a brief romp in the snow, while others want nothing to do with it. Either way, winter brings a few safety concerns. Cats can get chilled quickly, especially if their paws or coats get wet, so keep outdoor snow play short and supervised. Wipe paws when they come inside, since de-icing salts and chemicals can irritate pads and are harmful if licked off. Pet-safe ice melt is a good choice for your own walkways. Antifreeze is especially dangerous; it tastes sweet to animals and is highly toxic even in tiny amounts, so clean up any drips in driveways and garages promptly. Before starting a car in cold weather, give the hood a knock, because outdoor and neighborhood cats sometimes curl up near warm engines.

Pewter will probably be ready for a warm windowsill in a few minutes. But for now, the snowbank is the best toy in the neighborhood, and Hank is happy to let him enjoy it.

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