Who has never seen a cat basking blissfully in the sun, with half-closed eyes and an air of pure relaxation? It seems that they love the heat, always looking for the sunniest spot in the house or garden. But have you ever wondered if the sun, in addition to being pleasant, can represent a risk for them? Just like humans, cats can also get sunburned and suffer skin damage. Let’s find out together if and how to protect them from the sun’s rays!
Why cats love to be in the sun
Cats seem to be attracted to the sun like little sphinxes looking for warmth. This behavior has both physiological and instinctive roots. First of all, cats are homeothermic animals, which means they need to maintain a constant body temperature, and the sun is a natural source of heat that helps them in this process. Being born predators, they spend many hours of the day resting to conserve energy, and doing so in a warm corner helps them to further save energy, reducing the need to burn calories to maintain body temperature. This is especially useful for older cats or those with short hair, who tend to suffer more from the cold.
What’s more, the sun promotes the production of vitamin D, although cats do not absorb it through their skin like humans. In fact, this vitamin is deposited on their coats while they are exposed to the sun and is then ingested when they lick themselves during grooming. In addition, the sun’s heat helps relax muscles and joints, providing a feeling of well-being and relieving any pain, especially in older cats or those with joint problems.
It’s not just a physical thing, the sun also has a psychological effect on cats. As with humans, heat and sunlight stimulate the release of endorphins, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This is why it’s common to see cats lying in total abandon on a carpet of sun, with their paws stretched out and a blissful expression. In short, for them the sun is a natural cuddle, an indispensable pleasure that combines physical well-being and absolute relaxation.
Be careful of the sun, even cats can get sunburned
Even though cats are covered with a thick coat, this does not make them immune to sun damage. Their fur offers some protection, but it is not always enough to completely shield the skin from UV rays, especially in the most exposed and least covered areas. In addition, cats with light, short or sparse fur have a lower amount of melanin, the pigment that helps protect the skin from sun damage. This means they are more vulnerable to sunburn, just like people with very pale skin. But it is not just the color and length of the fur that make a difference: the cat’s habits also play an important role. If a cat spends many hours in the sun, especially during the hottest hours, the risk of sunburn increases. Prolonged exposure can cause redness, irritation and, in the most serious cases, permanent skin damage. For this reason, it is essential to be aware of the risks and protect our feline friends from the harmful effects of the sun.
Areas most at risk for sunburn in cats
Not all of a cat’s body is equally protected from the sun’s rays: some areas are particularly vulnerable to sunburn, especially those with less fur or thinner and more delicate skin. The most exposed areas are the ears, nose, around the eyes, the abdomen and the extremities of the paws.
The ears, in particular, are among the parts most at risk because the skin in that area is very thin and almost devoid of fur protection, especially on the tip. The nose, being always exposed and protruding, receives direct sunlight, increasing the risk of redness and irritation. Even the area around the eyes, especially in cats with little pigment, can be sensitive to the sun. The abdomen, although less exposed than other parts of the body, can easily burn when the cat lies on its back to enjoy the heat. Finally, even the paws, especially the back of the front paws, can be affected if the cat spends a lot of time on hot and sunny surfaces.
Protecting these areas is essential to avoid skin damage.
Cat breeds most at risk of sunburn
Not all cats are equally resistant to the sun: some breeds are more vulnerable to sunburn due to the characteristics of their coat and skin pigmentation. Short-haired or completely hairless cats are the most exposed, as they do not have a sufficient barrier to shield UV rays. Among these, Sphynxes, being hairless, are the most at risk of all: their skin is directly exposed to the sun, making them extremely vulnerable to sunburn and skin damage. Other hairless breeds, such as the Donskoy and Peterbald, also need special attention when exposed to the sun.
In addition to hairless cats, cats with very light or thin fur are also more likely to get sunburnt. The Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, for example, have very short, sparse fur that offers only minimal protection from the sun’s rays. White or patchy cats, regardless of breed, are also more at risk: the skin beneath their fur contains less melanin, the pigment that helps protect against UV rays. For this reason, breeds such as the white Persian, light Siamese, and Turkish Van may be more prone to sunburn, especially on the ears and nose.
If you have a cat belonging to one of these breeds, it is essential to take precautions to protect it from the sun, avoiding exposure during the hottest hours and, if necessary, using specific sunscreens for cats.
Preventing sunburn in cats, useful tips and SOLAR protection
To protect your cat, it is important to limit direct exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day and always provide shaded areas where it can rest safely. However, in cases where the cat loves being outdoors or needs extra protection, a specific sunscreen can be a valid ally.
SOLAR is a SPF 50 sunscreen specially formulated for dogs and cats, which moisturizes and protects the coat and the skin underneath from damage caused by UV rays. It is particularly suitable for the most sensitive areas, such as the ears, nose, foot pads and areas with little or no hair.
Its formula is free of preservatives and parabens, absorbs quickly without leaving greasy or sticky residues and has a delicate vanilla scent. In addition, it is approved by veterinarians and produced entirely in Italy, a guarantee of quality and safety. For optimal protection, SOLAR should be applied evenly at least 10 minutes before sun exposure, avoiding the eye and mouth area. The cream should be reapplied every 2-3 hours and after each bath, but should never encourage excessively prolonged sun exposure.
Protecting your cat from the sun means ensuring its well-being and safety, allowing it to enjoy the heat without risks to its health.
How to Recognize and Treat a Cat’s Sunburn
Recognizing a sunburn in your cat early is essential to avoid complications and alleviate any discomfort. The first signs to watch for are redness of the skin, increased dryness, and slight flaking. Over time, the skin may become more sensitive to touch, and your cat may react in an annoyed way if you pet the affected areas.
In more severe cases, sunburn can develop into deeper lesions, with crusting, ulcers, and thickening of the skin. If your cat begins to scratch frequently, lick the affected areas insistently, or show signs of discomfort, it is likely that the skin is seriously irritated. In more extreme cases, continued inflammation can lead to actinic keratosis, a condition that, if left untreated, can predispose to skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma.
What to do in case of sunburn?
If you notice the first signs of sunburn, it is important to intervene immediately:
- Move the cat to a cool, shaded place to prevent the situation from worsening.
- Hydrates the skinwith products specifically for veterinary use, such as soothing creams free of perfumes, parabens and irritants. Avoid using sunscreens or products intended for humans, especially those containing zinc or zinc oxide, which can be toxic to cats if ingested.
- Prevent the cat from licking the affected areas, as saliva may worsen the irritation. If necessary, consult your veterinarian to evaluate the use of a protective collar.
- In case of pain, blisters or obvious lesions, contact a veterinarian immediately. Treatment with specific medications may be necessary to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Prevention is always better, Paying attention to the signs of sunburn and taking action quickly can make a difference in the health of your furry friend’s skin, allowing him to enjoy the sun without risk.
