The skin is a cat’s largest organ and performs all sorts of important functions. If your cat gets sunburned, the skin’s microbiome becomes disrupted, which can also throw other bodily processes—such as the immune system—out of balance. In the worst-case scenario, squamous cell carcinomas can develop, a form of skin cancer in cats. It is therefore essential to ensure that your cat is well protected from the sun.
Symptoms of sunburn
Sunburn in cats can be classified into three degrees:
- Grade 1: Mild redness of the skin.
- Stage 2: Red and painful skin. There may be some hair loss around the edges of the ears, and sometimes these areas are swollen and painful.
- 3rd degree: The skin is deeply burned, and there is no hair in that area. The skin may appear whitish. If the nerves are also damaged, it is not painful.
In addition, there are conditions such as solar dermatitis and squamous cell carcinoma. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause chronic damage to the skin, which is recognizable by thickening and flaking of the skin around the ears. This causes itching, which may lead your cat to scratch and shake its head. Excessive scratching can result in small wounds, making the skin susceptible to infections.
In severe cases, chronic damage can lead to squamous cell carcinoma. These are malignant tumors that look like sores with scabs that keep breaking open and do not heal. We often see redness, irritation, and hair loss, especially in cats with white ears.
Treating sunburn
Always consult your veterinarian if your cat has suffered a sunburn. For second- or third-degree burns, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to treat the skin and protect it from infection. In cases of severe burns, an IV may be administered. If you suspect your cat has squamous cell carcinoma, this will need to 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, apply our Doderm Hydro RepairGel twice daily. This gel is specially formulated for feline skin and supports skin with a weakened barrier. What makes our skin gel unique is that it contains filtered antibodies from cow colostrum, which naturally supports the skin’s recovery from irritation. The Hydro RepairGel is 100% natural and contains no antibiotics or corticosteroids.
Oils can make your skin burn more quickly in the sun. So always make sure to apply sunscreen over your skincare products.
Protect your cat from sunburn
To protect your cat from sunburn, there are a few things you can do:
- Keep your cat indoors during the times of day when the sun is strongest. The sun is at its strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Keep in mind that UV radiation can still be strong on cloudy days and sunburn can occur.
- Does your cat like to sunbathe indoors by the window? Even then, your cat can get sunburned. Lower the blinds or apply UV-blocking 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 the pigment and protective fur needed to shield themselves from the sun. It’s best to apply it several times a day.
Sunscreens suitable for cats
Cats are known for being very good at grooming themselves. After grooming, they will also lick their paws. That’s why it’s essential 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 harmful to cats and can cause itching.
Doderm Hydro Repair Gel
Our Doderm Hydro RepairGel is particularly effective for treating mild sunburn. Its main ingredient is antibodies derived from bovine colostrum (first milk). This helps restore the skin’s natural defenses and rebalances its pH levels.
In addition to antibodies from colostrum, Doderm Hydro RepairGel contains only natural plant-based oils. These fats are easily broken down by the skin’s own enzymes and can thus be effectively absorbed into the skin. This allows the skin to regenerate itself and better protect itself against external influences.
Finally, Doderm Hydro RepairGel contains plant extracts and vitamins that support the skin’s natural regeneration, while ceramides help keep skin cells together. This keeps the skin hydrated and keeps harmful bacteria at bay.
Prevention is always best, 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.
Want to know more about exactly how Doderm Hydro RepairGel works? Read all about it on our “How It Works” page!
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 free to contact us. We’d be happy to advise you!
