Health

Do Cats Get Sunburnt?

December 23, 2015
white cat

UV rays from our harsh Aussie sun doesn’t discriminate. Whilst skin pigmentation and thick hair do afford sun protection by providing a physical barrier to UV rays, it’s the cats that don’t have this that we need to worry about. The fair skinned and white-coated cats are prone to sunburn particularly around the nose and ear tips, but also other areas of skin.

Recommendations for these cats are:

  1. Keep them indoors during the day when the sun is at its strongest, say between 10 am and 4pm (or all the time if your prefer).
  2. When they are outdoors ensure that there is adequate shade, if not, consider installing a shade cloth.
  3. For those that sun bathe by the window consider a sun blocking film for the windows.
  4. Wear clothing such as a t-shirt (a little over the top but if your cats allows this will protect the delicate non haired skin on the belly when they are bathing)
  5. Apply sunscreen, a high SPF one that’s approved for cats, which you apply to the ear tips and the top of the head or nose.