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An elderly Hispanic grandma in a navy coat and floral apron shovels snow beside a red tabby cat standing in a drift. 3 / 30

Abuela Rosa Shoveled the Drive. Mango Tested the Snow and Frowned.

AI imageexotic shorthairsnowwinter

A snowy morning has covered the driveway, and Abuela Rosa is out with a black shovel, bundled in a navy puffer coat with her floral apron still tied on over it. A dark headband keeps her grey hair back, and she looks down at the snow with calm determination. Beside her, Mango has ventured into the drift. The red tabby Exotic Shorthair has one paw lifted, his fluffy fur dusted with flakes, his flat face wearing an expression of deep suspicion about this cold, white stuff. Bushes with snow on their branches and the siding of the house stretch in the background.

Cold weather calls for a few cat-friendly precautions. Most cats are not fond of snow and prefer to spend winter indoors, since their paws and ears can chill quickly, and short, flat-faced breeds like Exotic Shorthairs have little reason to linger outside. If a cat does step out, keep the visit short and under supervision, wipe off paws afterward, and watch for salt or de-icing products that can irritate skin or be harmful if licked. Antifreeze is highly toxic to cats, so wipe up any spills. As for shoveling, it is wise to take breaks and warm up, and talk to a doctor if you have any concerns.

Rosa clears a path and Mango tests the powder with his paw. Neither is in a hurry, and both look quite dignified about it.

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