Grandma Edie Was Shoveling the Driveway. Pebble Was Doing the Exact Opposite.
Fresh snow has buried the driveway, and Grandma Edie is out in her puffy olive coat, knit hat, and thick gloves, pushing a metal shovel along the edge of a big white drift. She is smiling down at her shoveling partner, who has abandoned any pretense of helping. Pebble has thrown himself into the snowbank, front legs stretched out, claws spread, white powder flying around his striped gray paws. His face is pure focus. Behind them, the house siding is frosted, and a pair of boots waits by the door.
Some cats are surprisingly fond of snow, at least in short bursts. Playing in it can be great fun, but cold weather calls for care. Cats can get chilled quickly, especially if they get wet, and ears, paws, and tails are vulnerable to frostbite in very low temperatures. De-icing salt and chemicals can irritate paw pads and are harmful if licked off, so it helps to wipe a cat's feet with a damp cloth after outdoor time. Antifreeze is especially dangerous, since it tastes sweet to animals. Short supervised play sessions and a warm spot to come back to are the best approach.
Pebble will likely come inside shortly with icy whiskers and a very pleased expression. Grandma Edie will finish her last few shovelfuls, then dry him off with a towel by the door. Winter is a lot more fun with a snow-loving tabby in the yard.






