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Prevention of Sunburn in Cats

(especially in cats of paler colours)

Cats of dilute colours and especially the Foreign Whites can suffer from sunburn if allowed to be exposed frequently to direct rays of the sun.  The OCA has seen a recent case of this danger when they took in a Foreign White rescue, whose sunburnt ears resulted in cancer on both tips of her ears.  These were amputated and hopefully she will now recover and be able to lead a normal life – albeit looking a little strange with her little stumpy ears.

To prevent damage caused by direct sunlight use “Baby Factor 50 Hypoallergenic”.  Most pharmacies, such as Boots have their own brands, but the product MUST conform to the above specification.

Apply the cream or lotion once daily.  However, if it is especially hot and sunny and the cat is able to get into the direct sun all day, then the treatment should be applied again at mid-day.  Apply to the ears and, if the cat has very thin or sparse fur around the eyes and the back of its ears, put the treatment on these areas also.

Several OCA members have used this treatment successfully for cats that live outdoors, such as Stud Cats and of course those cats who roam free outdoors during daylight hours. 

This photo shows a Foreign White cat called Zena who came into the care of OCA Welfare
with ear cancer caused by sunburn.  Her ears had to be partially amputated to save her life.

Many thanks to OCA for their kind permission to publish this article.