How to Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer in Cats

By eHow Pets Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

If your cat is white, or if he has white on his ears and nose, he may be prone to skin cancer. What to do? You got it: Lather on the sunscreen.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Apply SPF 50 sunscreen on the top of your cat's muzzle, including the top of his nose.
Step2
Apply more SPF 50 sunscreen on your cat's inner and outer ear tips.
Step3
Lather it on twice a day if your cat is frequently out in the sun.
Step4
Keep your cat indoors as much as possible, and discourage him from sunbathing beside windows.
Step5
Avoid letting your cat outside at midday, when the sun is brightest.
Step6
Look for signs of sunburn - pain and redness on your cat's skin indicate that he has been overexposed to the sun.
Step7
Treat a cat's sunburn by cleaning any peeling tissue using an antibiotic cream. Ask your veterinarian for details.

Tips & Warnings

  • SPF 50 sunscreen is often kept behind the pharmacy counter. Ask your pharmacist for it.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Also use it on the cat's forehead, where the hair is thin. That is one of the places our white cat had to have skin surgery, as well as his nose.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I wholeheartedly agree with Sherry Johnston. By KEEPING Kitty inside ALWAYS, you eliminate far more than skin cancer. Indoor-only kitties tend to live longer and be healthier - not to mention your lower vet bills! Cats can be just as happy indoors. :)

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/13/2007 It is heartbreaking (and costly) to have a cat who has developed skin cancer. Keep your cat inside - it's healthier for other reasons, too!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Cassie (my white cat) spent lots of time "sunbathing." For years, I put sunblock on her ears, but never anything on her nose. She developed skin cancer in her nasal area that wasn't 100% curable. I had to put her to sleep last week. PLEASE use sun block!

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eHow Article:  How to Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer in Cats

eHow Pets Editor

eHow Pets Editor

Category: Pets

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