Sun’s Out, Ears Off? Why Your Cat Needs Sun Cream Too

Sun’s Out, Ears Off? Why Your Cat Needs Sun Cream Too

Hey friends,

Have you seen the heartbreaking story about Bobble, the sweet white rescue cat who recently lost both of her ears due to skin cancer caused by sun damage? 😿 It’s been all over the news lately, and as a fellow cat lover, I couldn’t just scroll past.PET CAUTION

Bobble’s story hit home hard. Her owner did everything right — applying sunscreen, keeping an eye on her, loving her to bits — but the damage from her kitten days had already been done. It’s a real wake-up call that our sun-worshipping fluffballs aren’t as invincible as they seem.

🌞 Yes, Cats Can Get Sunburned (And Worse)

I used to think cats were smart enough to move out of the sun when they got too warm. And while that might be true sometimes, it turns out their skin doesn’t get the memo. Especially if your cat is white, light-coloured, or has thin fur — they’re basically sun magnets.

According to vet Katie Wood, the ears and noses are the most at-risk spots because they have the least fur and pigmentation. That’s where UV rays hit hardest, and over time, those cute pink ears can turn into a danger zone.

First comes redness, then flaking, then sores… and if left untreated, it can develop into full-blown skin cancer. That’s what happened to Bobble. 😢

🧴 What You Can Do (It’s Actually Pretty Simple)

The good news? Protecting your cat isn’t hard — it just takes a little awareness and the right sun protection.

Here’s what I’ve started doing with my own kitty since reading Bobble’s story:

  1. Apply pet-safe SPF to exposed areas (especially ears, nose, and around the eyes) if they go outside or like sunbathing by the window.

  2. Use a factor 30 or 50 sunscreen — the lighter the fur, the higher the factor. I found a pet-specific one that’s lick-safe and super easy to apply (plus, my cat doesn’t seem to hate it 🙌).

  3. Limit sun exposure during peak hours — I try to keep the blinds down mid-day if she’s inside, or bring her in from the garden when the sun’s strongest.

  4. Check their skin often — Redness, dryness, or flaky skin are early signs to look out for.

And if you ever notice anything suspicious — a bump, cyst, or strange spot — go to the vet ASAP. Catching it early makes a huge difference.

💛 A Little Cream, A Lot of Love

We all want our pets to live long, comfy lives. And with temperatures rising earlier and staying hotter longer (hello, record 28°C in April!), it’s time we start treating sun protection for cats just like we do for ourselves.

It might feel silly the first time you dab sunscreen on your cat’s ears — but trust me, it’s way better than the alternative.

Bobble’s story could have been any of ours. Let’s learn from her journey and protect our kitties the way they deserve. 😺☀️

—
P.S. I’ve been using Noseprint SPF50 Pet Sunscreen — it’s all-natural, UK-made, and safe for cats (and dogs!). Bonus: It smells lovely and even works for humans in a pinch. 😅

Stay sun-safe out there, friends! 🐾

Back to blog