A feline named Smurf underwent ear amputation surgery due to severe sunburn, prompting a warning to pet owners to keep their furry friends indoors during hot summer days and apply sunscreen to them. Smurf, a former street cat from Belfast, was found after being involved in a car accident and taken to a vet who had to remove her right eye and ear tips due to the extent of the sun damage. The cat has since been adopted by a new family. Cats Protection organization has advised pet owners about the hazards of letting their cats bask under the sun for extended periods.
Kate Large, the owner of Smurf, revealed that her cat did not get sun damage in Lisbon or Madrid, but rather in Northern Ireland where she had been living for less than a year. Despite the limited sunshine in Ireland, the damage caused by it was severe. Large, who is also a volunteer at a shelter, admitted that she was not aware that cats could be affected by such skin damage before adopting Smurf. She believes that most cat owners are caring and responsible, and would be devastated to learn that their lack of knowledge about feline sun damage could lead to serious health problems. Prior to adopting Smurf, Large took care of another kitten who passed away due to a mutated coronavirus, which resulted in her being isolated for seven weeks.
According to the speaker, Smurf is a very low-maintenance cat who is grateful for her simple and decent life. The charity aims to educate people about the harmful effects of sun damage on cats, even those who live indoors. Sarah Elliott, a veterinary officer for Cats Protection, warns that cats, like humans, should avoid prolonged exposure to the scorching sun.
Even if it’s a chilly day, the sun can still cause harm to your feline friend. Cats with light-colored fur or unpigmented white noses and ears, like Smurf, are especially vulnerable to sun damage. The effects may not be noticeable for a couple of years, but once cancer begins to develop, immediate veterinary attention is necessary to prevent it from spreading. Fortunately, taking a few basic precautions can help safeguard your pet from the sun’s harmful rays.
It is advisable for pet owners to keep their furry friends indoors during the hottest parts of the day. Additionally, they must consult their veterinarian to determine the ideal sunscreen for their pets. When allowing cats to roam outside, it’s crucial to provide them with adequate shade and plenty of water. One useful trick to prevent cats from overheating is to wrap a plastic bottle filled with frozen water in a towel and place it in a spot that the cat frequently visits.
