The skin is a cat’s largest organ and performs many important functions. If your cat gets sunburned, the skin’s microbiome is disrupted, which can cause other bodily processes—such as the immune system—to become unbalanced. In the worst-case scenario, this can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer in cats. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your cat is well protected from the sun.
Symptoms of sunburn
Sunburn in cats can be classified into three degrees:
- 1st degree:Mild redness of the skin.
- Stage 2: Red and sore skin. Hair loss may occur at the edges of the ears, which are sometimes swollen and painful.
- Third-degree: The skin is severely burned, and there is no hair in this area. The skin may appear whitish. If the nerves are also damaged, it is not painful.
In addition, there are also conditions such as solar dermatitis and squamous cell carcinoma. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to chronic skin damage, which can be recognized by thickening and scaling of the skin around the ears. This causes itching, which can lead to your cat scratching and shaking its head. Excessive scratching can create small wounds that make the skin susceptible to infection.
In severe cases, chronic damage can lead to squamous cell carcinoma. These are malignant tumors that look like wounds with scabs that keep reopening and won’t heal. We often see redness, irritation, and hair loss, especially in cats with white ears.
Sun Care
Always consult your veterinarian if your cat has suffered a sunburn. For second- or third-degree burns, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to treat the skin and prevent infection. In cases of severe burns, an IV drip may be administered. If you suspect your cat has squamous cell carcinoma, it must be examined and tested.
For redness and irritation caused by sunburn, the skin can be effectively cared for with Doderm Hydro RepairGel. To soothe your cat’s itchy and irritated skin, you can apply our Doderm Hydro RepairGel twice daily. This gel was specially developed for cats and supports skin with a weakened barrier. What makes our skin gel special is that it contains filtered antibodies from bovine colostrum, which naturally support the skin during recovery. The Hydro RepairGel is 100% natural and contains no antibiotics or corticosteroids.
Oils can make your skin burn more quickly. Therefore, always make sure to apply sunscreen over your skincare products.
Protect your cat from sunburn
To protect your cat from sunburn, there are a number of things you can do:
- Keep your cat indoors during the times of day when the sun is strongest. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please note that UV radiation can still be strong even on cloudy days and can cause sunburn.
- Does your cat like to sit by the window? Your cat can get sunburned too. Lower the blinds or apply UV-resistant film to the windows.
- Apply a suitable sunscreen to your cat’s ears and nose. This is especially important for cats with white ears and noses. These breeds lack sufficient pigmentation and protective fur to shield themselves from the sun. Apply several times a day if possible.
Suitable sunscreen products for cats
Cats are known for being very clean. After grooming themselves, they also lick their paws. That’s why it’s important to make sure that any sunscreen you use is safe for your cat. Most human products are not suitable for animals. For example, avoid products containing octyl salicylate, homosalate, para-aminobenzoic acid, or zinc oxide, as these can be toxic to cats. Perfume is also a common culprit for cats and can cause itching.
Doderm Hydro Repair Gel
Our Doderm Hydro RepairGel is particularly effective for treating minor skin burns. Its main ingredient is antibodies derived from bovine colostrum. This helps the skin regain its resilience and restores the skin’s pH balance.
In addition to antibodies from colostrum, Doderm Hydro RepairGel contains only natural plant oils. These oils are easily broken down by the skin’s own enzymes and can therefore be effectively absorbed into the skin. This allows the skin to regenerate and better protect itself against external influences.
Finally, Doderm Hydro RepairGel contains plant extracts and vitamins that support the skin’s natural regeneration, and the ceramides help keep skin cells together. This keeps the skin hydrated and keeps harmful bacteria at bay.
Prevention is always better than cure, of course, so make sure your cat is well protected against sunburn. Keep your cat out of the sun or protect it with a good sunscreen.
Would you like to learn more about exactly how Doderm Hydro RepairGel works? Read all about it on our page “How it works“!
We hope that reading this blog has helped you learn more about sunburn in cats. If you have any questions after reading this blog, please feel freeto contact us. We’re happy to help!
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