Battersea is issuing a stark warning to pet owners after a cat brought into the charity’s care had to undergo surgery to remove both of his ears due to significant sun damage.
Buddy, an eight-year-old Domestic Shorthair, was brought to Battersea's Old Windsor Cattery after being found as a stray. The charity's clinical team quickly identified lesions on both of his ears – one which was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer caused by UV damage. Battersea’s clinic team also found pre-cancerous cells on Buddy’s other ear and had to sadly remove both of his ears to prevent future health issues.
Cats with white or pale-coloured fur, like Buddy, are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and sun damage, especially on exposed areas such as their ears and nose. While fur provides some protection, areas with less coverage can be particularly vulnerable to harmful UV rays.
The summer of 2026 is officially on track to become the UK's hottest on record and with temperatures continuing to soar, Battersea is urging owners of lighter-coloured cats to take extra precautions in the sun.
Animal-friendly sun cream can be applied to areas such as the tips of the ears and nose, while treats and gentle strokes can help cats form a positive association with the process. Battersea recommends using a titanium dioxide-based sun cream and avoiding products containing zinc oxide. Owners should always speak to their vet if they are unsure which sun protection to use.
Hazel Adams, Cattery Team Leader at Battersea Old Windsor, said: “Buddy’s story is a serious reminder of just how devastating sun damage can be to our pets. Providing plenty of shade and water, keeping cats indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and using animal-friendly sun cream are a few simple ways owners can reduce the risks and help their pets stay safe in the heat.
“Despite everything he has been through, Buddy has proven to be a gentle and affectionate companion. He has adapted remarkably well to life without his ears and while his hearing has been affected, it hasn’t stopped him from living life to the fullest. He is now ready to find a loving home that understands his unique needs.”
If you're interested in giving Buddy his second chance, please visit: https://www.battersea.org.uk/rehoming
For more advice on how to keep your pets safe in the heat, please visit: https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice
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About Battersea:
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For further information, interviews or images please contact the Battersea Press Office at press@battersea.org.uk.
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At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with other organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
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In 2025, Battersea directly cared for 1,989 dogs and 1,745 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
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Battersea has three centres based in London; Old Windsor, Berkshire; and Brands Hatch, Kent.
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To find out more visit our website or follow Battersea on X @battersea_ , Instagram @battersea, Facebook facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea.