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An elderly man in red plaid holds a cream Exotic Shorthair upright at a window looking out on a snowy yard and pine trees. 25 / 29

Custard Had Never Seen Snow. Earl Lifted Her Up to the Window.

AI imageexotic shorthairwinter windowsnow day

Outside the window, the world has turned white overnight. Snow frosts the pine branches, blankets the yard, and keeps drifting down in soft flakes. Earl has scooped Custard up and is holding her at the glass, her front paws dangling over his hands, her back legs tucked against his flannel shirt. She stares out at the winter scene with enormous, round copper eyes, ears pricked forward, as if she cannot quite believe what has happened to the backyard. Earl watches her rather than the snow, smiling softly at her wonder.

Windows are like television for indoor cats. Watching birds, falling leaves, or snowflakes gives them mental stimulation and taps into their instinct to observe and track movement. A sturdy window perch or a cleared sill lets a cat enjoy the view on her own schedule, and a bird feeder placed within sight can provide hours of entertainment. When lifting a cat, support her back legs and chest rather than letting her hang, which helps her feel secure. Cold glass and drafty windows can make a sill chilly in winter, so a folded blanket or a cushioned perch keeps the favorite lookout spot warm and comfortable.

Custard may decide that snow is best admired from indoors, which is a very wise choice for a flat-faced cat in winter. For now, she has the best seat in the house, held up by the person who wanted to share the view.

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