Cats love the heat and the sun - they can roll out on a warm terrace and sleep on it for hours. You should be careful though, as the summer sun can burn you and your furry friend in the direct, harsh sun.
In general about burning
Both short-haired and furry cats can get burned, and of course even the furless ones. White cats are more prone to it (because their fur is finer), cats with sparse or almost no fur, or cats that have been shaved for health reasons.
Cats are most likely to get burned around the muzzle, ears, or paws, but cats, like humans, can get burned anywhere on the body.
How sunburn in cats looks like
The sunburn usually manifests itself as a reddening of the skin. The area appears warmer to the touch than the unaffected area. Most often, owners notice a burned cat when the burn hurts - in extreme cases, blisters may also occur.
What to do when sunburn?
If you find that your cat has been burned, protect her from sunlight and make sure she drinks enough. You can relieve the heat in the body with a water spray or, if your cat will let you, apply a cold compress to the burned area.
If your cat is panting, very quiet, weak or lethargic, you should seek veterinary help immediately!
How to prevent cat sunburn?
The easiest way to avoid getting burnt by cats is to not let them out into the garden/secure balcony at lunchtime. If this can't be avoided, you can use a natural sunscreen on the most susceptible areas (i.e. nose and ears) - but most cats won't appreciate anything like sunscreen. If your cat is only at home but likes to bask on the windowsill, for example, a window filter that absorbs UV rays may be the solution.
Editor's note: Don't worry, most cats make it through the summer unscathed, and if you think of your cat's safety at least as partially as your own, skin burns are easily avoided.
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