How to Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer in Cats

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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• SPF 50 Sunscreen
• Antibiotic Creams

1. Apply SPF 50 sunscreen on the top of your cat's muzzle, including the top of his nose.

2. Apply more SPF 50 sunscreen on your cat's inner and outer ear tips.

3. Lather it on twice a day if your cat is frequently out in the sun.

4. Keep your cat indoors as much as possible, and discourage him from sunbathing beside windows.

5. Avoid letting your cat outside at midday, when the sun is brightest.

6. Look for signs of sunburn - pain and redness on your cat's skin indicate that he has been overexposed to the sun.

7. 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.

Who Can Help Sponsored

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[kittynurse]

on 7/25/2009 Sunscreen WILL be ingested by the cat and may be poisonous. I strongly urge you NOT to do this. Its much safer and far more practical to keep your cat indoors!!!

[beachgirl1]

on 9/19/2008 All vets have told me do NOT put sunscreen on a cat. They will clean themselves and ingest it & even a small amount is dangerous!!!

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.

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. :)

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!