How to protect your light colored fur cat from sunburn?

Sunburn is a big risk for cats with light colored fur. Many cat owners do not know this as their cats rarely venture outside. This does not mean indoor cats are protected from the harmful effects of the sun as sunlight may stream in through windows and other openings.

Only fair skinned cats are more at risk to get sunburned. The medical term for this is Feline Solar Dermatitis. The risky areas in these felines are the lips, ear tips, nose, and eyelids. Also at risk are those parts of the body which have fewer hairs. Do understand that all cats are susceptible to the sun. Fair skinned cats are simply much more vulnerable.Sunburn in cats appears first as an area with a progressive hint of redness. The burn becomes worse with increased exposure to the sun rays. It may even develop to a third-degree burn. Squamous cell carcinoma could be a possibility. It is to be kept in mind that sunburn does not always lead to skin cancer. The condition, however, lays the ground for the disease to happen. Cancer is a more than an even probability if the cat exposes the same area to the sun multiple times and scratches the affected part.

The UV light coming in through the window makes your indoor cat at risk too. Your light colored cat may come to harm. The cat has no sense of knowing what is good and what is bad for it. It is your responsibility to ensure that its exposure to sunlight is minimal. The sun rays are the fiercest from 10 in the morning to four in the evening. It is thus advisable to minimize the cat's sunlight exposure during these hours. Of course, all these depend on the geographical area of your residence. The sunlight is most potent if you live in a low altitude area or near the tropics.If your cat loves the outdoors, allow it to venture only to areas under your control and to patios and other shaded places. A shade must be present so that the kitty could get out of the sun's direct rays when it wants. If possible, draw the drapes or shades in the living space. Consider a UV film if the sunlight comes in through the curtain openings.It could be that your cat loves the sun. It may even love to bask in the sunlight. If this is so, invest waterproof sunblocks for your kitty. It can be applied to the cat's nose and ears. Ask your veterinarian to help choose the most appropriate product. This is a must if you and your cat live in colder climes.