Cats being the hedonistic creatures they are, just love lying in the sun. If your cat is fortunate enough to have access to the great outdoors, then there is nothing more wonderful than to see him stretched out enjoying the warmth of the sun. .... But, just as humans need to take care in the sun, so do cats. White cats have very poor protection from the sun’s rays and may, as a result from too much sunbathing, develop a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma on their noses and tips of their ears.
Applying a sun block that is non toxic to cats noses and ears is essential to protect them from the sun's rays. Pethealth has developed a non toxic Factor 30 sun block cream esp for dogs and cats and is availible on the internet.
Just as we humans are advised to stay out of the sun between the hours of 12.00 and 3.00pm, so it is best if we can keep our cats indoors at those times too. It is also a good idea to have shady areas in your garden where your cat can cool down.
If your cat has white ears and nose, then regular checks are essential. Early signs of skin cancer are a reddening of the skin, which is similar to sunburn. There might also be a slight swelling or ‘crustiness’ on the affected area. If you do notice crusty sores on your cat’s ears, take it to the vet immediately.
