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:
- 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).
- When they are outdoors ensure that there is adequate shade, if not, consider installing a shade cloth.
- For those that sun bathe by the window consider a sun blocking film for the windows.
- 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)
- 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.
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