We all know how much excessive exposure to the sun can damage the skin. However, it isn’t only humans that are sensitive to the sun. Even though they have fur, pets are not immune to the harmful effects of the sun. It is, therefore, important to protect them properly to prevent any health problems. In this article, discover our tips to better protect your cat from the sun.
Avoid overexposing your cat to sunlight during sunny hours
Cats are often attracted to the sunlight. This is why they like to go out when the weather starts to get warmer. With that being said, you need to avoid letting them spend to much time outside when the sun’s rays are most intense. The sunniest hours are often between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are home, you need to make sure that they have shade to spend time in. If your cat likes spending time in the backyard and has easy access to the outdoors, they can get a sunburn. For this reason, it’s possible to find sunscreen for cats.
Apply a suitable sunscreen on your cat
Sunscreen is not only for humans. Pets can also use it. Their skin is vulnerable to the sun’s UV rays, just like humans. But can we use sunscreen that is designed for humans on cats?
Can sunscreen designed for humans also be used on cats?
Sunscreens that are made for humans often contain ingredients that can be harmful to cats. In fact, most sunscreens contain an ingredient that is extremely toxic to cats. This ingredient is salicylate, which can even be fatal to cats. For this reason, it is strongly advised not to apply sunscreen intended for humans to cats, or any cream containing salicylate.
Opt for sunscreen designed specifically for cats instead
There are sunscreens that are specially designed for cats and dogs on the market. These products are not harmful for cats. They are generally available in cream, stick, vaporizer, or wipe forms. Sunscreens with a large specter are the most recommended. Thanks to their waterproof formula and SPF of 15 or 30, they block both UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreen is suitable for all cats that are exposed to the sun, especially those with skin conditions. Cats with recently healed wounds, sparse fur, or no fur can also use this type of product. Don’t forget about cats with white fur, who are even more prone to sunburn.
Where should I apply the sunscreen?
To apply sunscreen on your cat, you need to target zones to protect from the sun before going out. The parts of the body that are most sensitive to UV rays are areas without fur. These are areas such as the muzzle, the ears, the abdomen, and the groin. The cream needs to be applied at least 30 minutes before being exposed to the sun. However, the eyes and the mouth are areas that should be avoided.
Protect your cat from the sun with cooling clothing
Wearing cooling clothing can also be very useful when it comes to protecting your cat from the sun. This type of clothing can block UV rays. You can choose between a cooling coat or a UV-protective t-shirt.
Cooling coat
On the market, you can find cooling coats to efficiently protect your cat from the sun. This type of coat is designed to lowering the temperature of your cat during walks in the sun or during extremely hot periods. Do not hesitate to dip the coat in cold water and wring it out before putting it on your cat. UV protection coats rated 30+ to 50+ are the most recommended for optimal protection. Some models have reflective strips for better visibility of the animal in the dark.
It is important to choose a coat that is the optimal size for your cat. If it’s too tight or too loose, your cat might try to rip it. You should also aim on on getting qualitative material and find a nice looking one. Highly resistant fiber materials are preferable because they will not tear easily. Clothing made from high-quality fabric will also not be damaged by bad weather.
UV-protective t-shirts
There is nothing better than a UV-protective T-shirt to protect your cat from the sun. This type of clothing is ideal for hairless cat breeds, white cats, or cats with little fur. These cats do not have fur that is thick enough to protect their skin from UV rays, making them prone to sunburn and hyperpigmentation. If you have a Sphynx, Devon Rex, Donskoy, or Peterbald, you can dress them in this type of clothing when the sun’s rays are particularly strong.
The UV-protective T-shirts available on the market are often made from a synthetic material specially designed for sun protection. They also absorb sebum from the skin. Choose a style that provides sufficient coverage for your pet’s back and neck, while ensuring that it is the right size for your pet.
Avoid leaving your cat in a car exposed to the sun
Many people do not understand the danger of leaving a pet in the car. It is strongly discourages to leave a cat in a car, even if you’re parked in the shade. If the temperature of the vehicle reaches more than 40°C (≈ 104°F), it becomes fatal for cats, even if you leave the windows slightly open. The temperature can rise quickly and easily reach 50°C (≈ 122°F) in less than an hour, when the car is parked under the sun. In addition, pets have a harder time regulating their body temperature than humans.
For this reason, a cat should not be kept closed in a car exposed to the sun. In these circumstances, they risk to be dehydrated, to suffer from heat stroke, or to pass away in just a few minutes.
Make changes in your home
Another tip to protect your cat from the sun is to make changes in your home. If your home gets a lot of sunlight and you wish to reduce the harmful effects of the sun, solar films will be very useful to you. Heat can quickly become unbearable when your windows are exposed to the sun. With a solar protection film, up to 89% of solar energy can be rejected and UV transmission reduced by up to 99%.
Setting up solar films is the best solution to limit overheating and improve the comfort of those living in the home. You can set up these films on windows in your home to prevent UV rays from passing through, which will keep your cat protected from the negative effects of the sun. You can still enjoy the light without suffering the bad impact of the sun. Don’t hesitate to opt for tinted films to enhance protection. They can be attached to both house and car windows. You can also provide a cool, shaded area where your cat can take shelter when the sun is hot.