Mary Allen
Extensive sunbathing in summer is appreciated not only by people but also by cats. In order not to get sunburned, two-legged friends usually apply sunscreen. However, when it comes to cats, it is often assumed that their fur protects them from the sun’s harmful UV rays. But is that true?
In fact, cats can get sunburned too. Especially the little hairy areas on the ears, nose, and mouth are at the mercy of dangerous UV radiation. Light-colored furry noses and house tigers without fur, such as the Sphynx cat, need the most protection.
Sunburn in Cats: Underestimated Risk?
Oh, a little sunburn isn’t so bad after all! Or does it? In humans, sunburn becomes noticeable after just a few hours and usually heals after a few days with the help of cooling gels and special ointments. Velvet paws, on the other hand, do not show such clear symptoms. Warm, scaly, red skin, scratches on the ears or nose are the first signs of sunburn in cats.
Do not ignore or downplay these warning signs, but cool the areas with cold compresses and apply a skin-soothing ointment. You can get this from the vet. The affected cat should choose cool, shady places to rest over the next few days and should not be outdoors if possible. Otherwise, the condition worsens: the scratches become larger, the skin reddens, the hair falls out on the spot. In extreme cases, it can result in skin cancer. In an emergency, you can only deal with this with an amputation. This may still be possible on the ears, but not on the nose. Only radiation treatment can be attempted here. Sunburn in cats is not something to be trifled with. Prevent in time – it can save lives!
White Cats Particularly Endangered
The risk of sunburn is greatest for velvet paws with light-colored fur on their ears, nose, and mouth, as well as for Sphynx cats and other furless house tigers. The latter must be protected from the sun’s rays all over their body, since they do not have fur, which protects them from sunburn, at least to a large extent. Light fur noses usually also have light skin, which is particularly sensitive to UV rays. In this case, use a special cat sunscreen, but make sure that it is not oil-based – that would be poisonous for your kitty.