Snow leopards' long, thick fur is soft gray or cream in color, and they have a white belly. Their head, neck, and lower limbs are marked with solid black or dark brown spots, and their body fur is covered with medium brown blotches ringed with black or dark brown. Their outer ear and back are streaked with black. Their winter coat is lighter in color. They have a long tail and small head, and their paws are covered with a cushion of hair that increases its surface area and acts like insulating snow shoes.