Learn how to spot the signs of sunburn on your cat’s ears and nose, which cats are most at risk, and how to protect them from the sun.

Can cats get sunburn?

When the sun makes an appearance, many cats love nothing more than stretching out for a snooze in a warm spot. It’s important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they stay hydrated and safe in the sun. Our guide has plenty of tips to help you keep your cat safe and happy. Just like people, cats can get sunburn if they’re exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays for too long.
Although your cat’s fur offers some protection, areas where the coat is thin, sparse or absent are much more vulnerable to the sun’s rays. The edges of the ears are most commonly affected because the fur is much thinner there, but cats can also get sunburn on their nose, around their eyes and on any other areas where their fur is light or missing. Cats with sparse fur on their belly may even become sunburned there if they enjoy lying on their back in the sunshine.

What does cat sunburn look like?

Knowing what cat sunburn looks like can help you spot the problem early and get advice if needed.
In its early stages, sunburn usually looks similar to mild sunburn in people. The skin may become pink and scaly, and you may notice some hair loss around the affected area.
As the damage becomes more severe, you may also see:

• pink or reddened skin
• dry, flaky or scaly skin
• itching
• blisters
• pain or tenderness
• crusting
• ulcers

If your cat’s skin doesn’t start to improve after a few days, or the affected area becomes increasingly sore or damaged, it’s worth speaking to your vet.

Which cats are most at risk?

Any cat can get sunburn, but some are more susceptible than others.
Cats at greater risk include:

• white or pale-coloured cats
• cats with white or pink noses
• cats with white patches on their ears or face
• hairless cats
• cats with thin or sparse coats
• cats that spend long periods outdoors or enjoy sunbathing

White and pale-coloured cats have less melanin, the natural pigment that helps protect the skin from sunlight, making them more vulnerable to sun damage.
Even indoor cats can get sunburn if they spend long periods sleeping in direct sunshine by a window.

Why should cat sunburn be taken seriously?

Sunburn isn't just uncomfortable, repeated damage from the sun can have long-term consequences for your cat’s health.
Over time, repeated exposure to the sun's UV rays can permanently damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. One of the most common types is squamous cell carcinoma, which often develops on areas that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the ears and nose.

How to treat cat sunburn

If you think your cat has mild sunburn, you can gently place a cool compress on the affected area to help draw the heat out of the skin.
If the skin is very red, hot, swollen, dry, flaky or painful, or you notice blisters, crusting or ulcers, contact your vet. It’s also a good idea to seek veterinary advice if any abnormal skin changes persist for more than a few days.
Depending on how severe the sunburn is, your vet may recommend dressings, pain relief or barrier creams or ointments. If the skin has become broken, antibiotics may be needed to help prevent infection. In very severe cases, cats may also require intravenous fluids and additional pain relief.

How to prevent sunburn in cats

Preventing sunburn is much easier than treating it, especially if your cat is at higher risk.
Here are some simple ways to help protect your cat from the sun:

• keep your cat indoors during the hottest part of the day, usually between 10am and 3pm
• create cool, shady places indoors by drawing curtains in sunny rooms
• make sure there are plenty of shaded areas outside using cat hides, large cardboard boxes or carefully positioned plants
• if your vet recommends it, use a sunscreen specifically designed for pets on exposed areas such as the ears, nose and anywhere the fur is sparse
• never use human sunscreen on your cat, as it may contain ingredients that are toxic to them
  If you’re unsure whether your cat would benefit from sunscreen, speak to your vet for advice.

FAQs

Can cats get sunburn through windows?

Yes. Cats that spend long periods sunbathing beside a window can still be exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays, so it’s worth keeping an eye on cats that have a favourite sunny spot indoors.

Do cats need sunscreen?

Some cats do. Cats that are more prone to sunburn, such as white, pale-coloured or hairless cats, may benefit from a sunscreen specifically designed for pets. Your vet can recommend a suitable product.

Can you use human sunscreen on cats?

No. Human sunscreen should never be used on cats because it may contain ingredients that are toxic to them.

What colour cat is most susceptible to sunburn?

White and pale-coloured cats are most susceptible because they have less melanin in their skin, making them more vulnerable to sun damage.

How do you treat sunburn on cats?

For mild sunburn, gently apply a cool compress to the affected area. If your cat’s skin is very red, swollen, painful, blistered or doesn’t improve after a few days, contact your vet for advice.