A cat charity is desperately appealing to find a home for a Crystal, a pure white cat who had to have both of her ears removed.

Currently in the care of Cats Protection’s Brighton & District Branch, Crystal previously spent most of her life living outdoors. Being pure white, this took a toll on Crystal’s ears, resulting in serious sun damage.

This Sun Awareness Week (6-12 May), Cats Protection is urging cat owners to protect their pets from UV rays to prevent cats like Crystal from needing emergency surgery.

“Cats with white or pale coloured ears, or noses, are particularly susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays – with some cats, like Crystal, needing drastic surgery to repair sun-damaged skin,” said Teresa Dee, Crystal’s fosterer.

“The best way to protect your cat during the summer is to keep them indoors during the hottest part of the day, traditionally between 10am and 3pm.

“If that’s not possible then provide sources of shade in your garden using cat-friendly plants and allow access to a shed or outhouse if possible. Also, speak to your vet about an appropriate feline-friendly sunblock.”

As with many white cats, nine-year-old Crystal is deaf, so needs an indoor-only home where she will be the only pet needing love and attention.

Teresa added: “Crystal is a sweet and gentle cat who is very easy-going. She instantly stole the hearts of all our volunteers with her beautiful appearance and charming character. We have nicknamed her Crystal Chandelier because of her elegance!

“An indoor home is need for Crystal, where she can enjoy living life away from the sun’s harmful rays.”

Anyone who thinks they could be the perfect companion for Crystal should contact Cats Protection’s Brighton & District Branch on 01273 610 306 or by emailing adoptions@brighton.cats.org.uk.

Alongside Crystal, Cats Protection has other cats in care, all looking for new homes. Anybody wishing to adopt a cat should call 03000 12 12 12 to find their nearest branch or adoption centre alternatively they may visit https://www.cats.org.uk/adopt-a-cat

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For media enquiries please contact media.office@cats.org.uk or call 01825 741 911

Notes to editors

1. Cats Protection’s Brighton & District Branch is part of a national network of over 250 volunteer-run branches and 36 centres that help around 200,000 cats and kittens each year.
2. Cats Protection’s registered charity number is 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland). The charity’s vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.
3. Founded as the Cats Protection League in 1927, the charity adopted the name Cats Protection in 1998. We ask that you use the name Cats Protection when referring to the charity.