Bernie Pickerell

Andy Bigginton

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has seen an increase in cats coming in with sun damage and is reminding pet owners to protect their four-legged friends during the hot summer months.

"White cats and cats with pale ears and noses are particularly at risk from skin cancer” explains Nikki Draper, Battersea vet. “Dogs are also at risk, but cats more so because they are often out in the sun for longer periods of time.”

However, sun damage to your pets can be reduced by taking simple preventative measures. “Many of the rules for humans apply to pets” continues Nikki. “Apply a high factor sun cream to your pet’s vulnerable areas every morning, but seek advice from your vet on what products are safe to use on animals as some products can be toxic. Make sure your pet has shady areas to shelter, and if you can, keep it out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.”

Signs of skin cancer should be easy to spot, but check your pet’s ears and nose regularly, especially if they are white or pale. “If you notice any pigmentation, crusting or unidentified lesions on the nose or ear tips, seek advice from your vet immediately” adds Nikki. “If spotted early, your pet may need a simple operation to remove the tips of the ears, but if left, the cancer will spread and it can be fatal.”

Stray Snowy, a friendly white cat, is just one example of the many cats that come into the Home with sun damage. After a medical assessment upon arrival, veterinary staff found she had skin cancer on her ears and she will need a Pinnectomy – an operation to remove the ear tips – before she can be rehomed. Ros Davies, Battersea rehomer says: “This time of year we get a lot of white cats in with sun damage to their ears and nose. It’s important that pet owners remember that when they are applying sun lotion to themselves, they spare a bit for their furry friends too.”

To find out more about Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, or to enquire about rehoming Snowy or any other dogs and cats, please visit www.battersea.org.uk