How to Prevent Cat Sunburn
Sunburns are not only painful and annoying, but they can also lead to cancer, so keep your cat’s skin protection routine in mind if he or she goes outside. Limiting your cat’s time in the sun or in very sunny windows, especially during peak hours, is the safest approach to avoid sunburn.
If your cat is hairless, consider applying a cat-specific sunscreen to provide a UV barrier for their sensitive skin. Only use cat-safe sunscreens since sunscreen designed for humans may include salicylates and zinc oxide3, both of which are hazardous to cats. Salicylates, when consumed, can induce stomach ulcers and, in rare cases, liver damage. Zinc oxide consumption causes red blood cell destruction, anemia, and GI symptoms such as vomiting, as well as allergic reactions such as hives and facial swelling.
When applying cat-safe sunscreen, pay extra attention to places that may burn faster, such as the bridge of the nose, the tips of the ears, and any other locations where the skin color is lighter. Keep your cat occupied with play immediately after applying sunscreen to prevent them from licking it off. Because cats groom themselves by licking, they will most likely swallow some of what is placed on their skin or coats, therefore avoiding direct sunlight or covering your cat in cat-specific clothes, such as shirts and sweaters, is the best alternative.
