Skin cancer in cats

Moderator

I'm not sure if everyone here knows, but cats, especially white ones like my Pearl, or cats with white ears, are at high risk of getting skin cancer when we have weather like we're getting at the moment.

We were warned by the Hull Animal Welface Trust, where Pearl came from that we needed to use sun cream on her ears and nose in summer, and although she doesn't like it (she does a runner as soon as she sees the bottle) we always rub Factor 50 into her ears and nose before she goes out in the sun. It makes her fur look a bit sticky but better safe than sorry.

I once saw a picture of a cat that had skin cancer of the ears and it wasn't a pretty sight. I thought about posting a pic here, but decided against it. You can always google if you want to see.

So.... make sure your cats are safe in the sun!!

Top Cat

Thankyou hun i had no idea that cats can suffer from skin cancer.

I googled the picture yuk not nice.

With my monsters would you suggest me putting cream on them.

Moderator

Thanks Gemini for the reminder - having two white cats is a 'scratchly' business yes

They hate having it applied

Top Cat

I was wondering about that yesterday. Blinx spent the whole day outside with me, but stayed under the picnic table in the shade. Think she was feeling the heat.

Thanks Gemini.

Moderator

Yorkshirerose wrote:: Thankyou hun i had no idea that cats can suffer from skin cancer.

I googled the picture yuk not nice.

With my monsters would you suggest me putting cream on them.

I think yours should be ok Yorkshire Rose. They don't have white ears, and it's the sticky out bits like ears that are most susceptible.

Top Cat

Ok good i wont start chasing them around with the suncream then.

They dont tend to go out when it is really really sunny anyway think it is too hot for them. They sleep under the picnic table or in the veranda.

Admin

Do you get your supply from the vets or do you use human sunscreen?

I'm wondering if I should apply some to Poppy as the hair on her ears is very thin due to her food sensitivitiy. She's not bald on the backs of her ears, but it is very thin.

Moderator

I use human sunscreen. I didn't even know you could get one that's specially for pets. I guess if it's from the vets it will be horrendously expensive. I buy one suitable for babies (as advised by the Hull Animal Welfare Trust) so that I know it's not too harsh.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to put some cream on Poppy's ears if you're at all worried. Better safe than sorry.

Moderator

gemini wrote:: I use human sunscreen. I didn't even know you could get one that's specially for pets.