June 16, 2025, 12:06 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Many believe that animals are protected from the sun by their fur. However, there are certain areas where cats can get sunburned and even develop skin cancer. PETBOOK editor and biologist Saskia Schneider explains which cats are particularly at risk and how to protect them.

Which Cats Are at Risk?

Not every cat is equally at risk of getting sunburned. Cats with white, thin, or no fur are at particularly high risk. This includes breeds such as Sphynx, Cornish Rex, and long-haired breeds like Persians. Cats with light-colored fur, such as Siamese or Himalayan cats, are also more susceptible to harmful UV rays. Cats with thin hair types or bald spots (such as after a vet visit) are also in the risk groups.

But even cats that don’t fall into these categories can get sunburned—especially if they are exposed to intense sunlight for extended periods.

How Does Sunburn Manifest in Cats?

Sunburn in cats manifests similarly to humans. Affected skin areas show redness, the skin feels hot, and often becomes sensitive. In some cases, swelling can occur, and the skin may peel and flake. Affected cats are usually restless and tend to lick or scratch the injured areas, which can further damage the skin. In severe cases, blisters can form, which, if untreated, can lead to infections.¹

Where Do Cats Get Sunburned?

Cats with sensitive skin primarily get sunburned on areas with little to no fur. Particularly vulnerable areas include:

• Ears
• Nose
• Sparsely haired areas between the eye and ear
• Belly and groin
• Paws—especially cats with pink or thinly haired paws can suffer burns from hot surfaces or direct sunlight.

Does My Cat Need Sunscreen?

Does this mean you should protect your cat with sunscreen? Yes, in certain cases, it is advisable. Especially if they belong to high-risk groups. For hairless cats, this is even a must, as textiles do not always provide sufficient protection for these breeds.

Important: Use only pet-friendly sunscreens specifically developed for cats. Never use human sunscreen, as it may contain ingredients toxic to cats. It is most important to protect sensitive areas such as ears, nose, belly, and the groin region.

How Can I Protect My Cat?

Generally, you don’t need to apply sunscreen to your cat. The best protection for your cat is to limit sun exposure.²

• Shade and Retreats: Ensure your cat always has access to shady spots, both indoors and outdoors.
• Avoid the Midday Heat: The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to keep your cat indoors during this time or only let them outside in the early morning or late evening hours.
• UV Protection: If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, UV-protective clothing or a UV-blocking sunshade might be helpful. Alternatively, there are also special sun protection products for cats.

What to Do if Your Cat Has Sunburn?

If you notice signs of sunburn on your cat, you should act immediately.³

1. Cool the Affected Areas: Apply a cool, damp compress to the affected skin areas to reduce inflammation.
2. Avoid the Sun: Keep your cat out of the sun while healing.
3. Visit the Vet: If the skin is severely damaged or blisters are visible, contact a veterinarian immediately. In severe cases, special treatment may be necessary.

Skin Cancer from Sunburn? Cats Are Affected Too

Unfortunately, too much sun exposure in cats can lead to long-term skin damage, including skin cancer. White cats and those with thin fur are particularly at risk of developing squamous cell carcinomas, a type of skin cancer. These cancers often develop on the ears or nose and initially appear as scaly, dry skin patches that do not heal. In the worst case, the ears can become severely damaged.⁴

If you notice any unusual changes in your cat’s skin—such as sores or ulcers that do not heal—seek veterinary attention immediately.

More on the topic

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No Fur, High Maintenance What You Should Know About the Peruvian Hairless Dog

Conclusion

Cats enjoy the sun just like we do, but they can also suffer from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Cats with light or thin fur should be protected from excessive UV exposure—if necessary, with sunscreen. Generally, it’s enough to ensure that the cat doesn’t spend too much time in direct sunlight during the summer and has plenty of shady retreats available.