Mary Allen
You should treat sunburn in cats as quickly as possible so that the symptoms do not get worse. If left untreated, repeated sunburns in house tigers can even lead to skin cancer in extreme cases. How can sunburn in velvet paws be recognized?
Of cat breeds without fur: isn’t the body of the velvet paw protected from sunburn by the dense fur? Unfortunately not quite, because the fur on the ears, the bridge of the nose, and on the belly is usually not very dense. Especially cats that have white fur in these areas are particularly susceptible to sunburn.
Sunburn Symptoms as in Humans
Do you have a Sphynx cat or a fur nose with light skin on the ears, nose, mouth, and/or belly? Then, when the weather is nice and the temperatures are hot, pay particular attention to whether you can see the first signs of sunburn in your kitty. In principle, the symptoms of sunburn in cats are similar to those in humans. A slight burn is manifested by reddened skin areas, more severe sun damage is accompanied by blistering and inflammation. Later, the affected skin peels off, just like people do after sunbathing for too long.
Since sunburn causes severe itching in cats, they may scratch their ears or nose. This reflex only makes things worse by scratching the skin but also allows dirt and bacteria to get into the wounds. Weeping, purulent inflammation can then be the result. The edges of sunburned ears can curl up, which in the worst case can lead to ulcers that can even cause skin cancer. Such skin damage must be treated by a veterinarian.
Treating Mild Sunburn in Cats
If your cat’s skin is only slightly red and not scratching the sunburn, gentle cooling will help relieve the discomfort. This can be done, for example, with a damp cloth or some quark or yogurt on the affected area. A little unscented fat cream also helps to keep the burned skin from drying out. Also, offer your cat fresh, cool water to drink—this way you can also treat the symptoms from within.
When Does the Cat Have to Go to the Vet?
If you have any doubts or uncertainties, it is better to take your cat to the vet. If your house tiger also starts to scratch itself or already has open skin, a visit to the veterinarian is highly recommended. The specialist can give the poor velvet paw a neck brace so that the wounds can heal without her scratching them again and again. At the latest in the event of inflammation, blisters or if the skin is peeling off, you should definitely see a doctor so that he can treat it with special ointments and medication.