The Effects Of The Sun On Your Cat’s Skin
Cats love being in the sun and enjoying a good nap in a very warm place. Of course, their owners like to observe pets in a relaxed and fun state, but it is essential to be alert to the effects of the sun on your cat’s skin .
The benefits of sunlight for our pets
The sun offers benefits not only for the skin, but also for the entire organism of our pets. In fact, the sun’s rays allow the existence of all life forms that inhabit our planet. Furthermore, they play a fundamental role in the metabolism of living things, including ours and that of our pets.
For example: our bodies would not be able to synthesize vitamin D without the influence of the sun’s rays. Vitamin D (or calciferol) is essential for calcium absorption and the formation of bone structures. Vitamin D deficiency usually causes osteoporosis, rickets, and other musculoskeletal diseases.
This does not mean that the sun provides vitamin D to felines, but it does allow the body to absorb it properly. All cats must have sources of vitamin D and essential nutrients in their diet. To ensure a complete and balanced diet for your cat, it is best to consult your trusted veterinarian.
Harmful effects of the sun on the cat’s skin
When the sun’s rays reach your cat’s skin, some of it is reflected and another is absorbed. The absorbed rays penetrate through the epidermis and are transmitted to the deeper areas of the skin. At that moment, they trigger a series of biochemical reactions that interfere with cell structure and metabolism.
With moderate exposure, the effects of the sun on your cat’s skin are usually very beneficial to her health. But excessive exposure to solar radiation can cause severe damage to cellular components, leaving them more vulnerable to numerous diseases.
The risks of the sun on the cat’s skin
Below, we summarize the risks of excessive sun exposure for your cat.
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Burns
Burns are probably the most immediate and visible sun damage on your cat’s skin. Cats can suffer from superficial or deep burns, depending on the degree of damage in the epidermis and dermis. Logically, superficial burns are more easily treated and have a better prognosis.
In the case of deep burns, they are very alarming and carry a high probability of secondary bacterial infections. Therefore, when you observe any changes in your cat’s skin, it is vital that you consult your veterinarian immediately.
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Solar or actinic dermatitis
The first symptoms of solar dermatitis in cats are manifested by inflammation of the areas exposed to the sun. In this case, we will see that the skin is red due to the irritation. Very often, hair loss is also observed, which leaves the skin more exposed and sensitive.
When the exposure is prolonged, we see that the inflammation intensifies and the redness is more evident. At this stage, crusts and blisters may appear on the skin that produce intense itching. If the animal scratches itself and causes a wound, its body is more vulnerable to infection.
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Skin cancer
Skin cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of malignant cancer cells. Among the possible causes of this malignant mutation we find chronic damage to cellular components from excessive exposure to solar radiation.
Fortunately, malignant skin tumors are relatively rare in cats, but effective preventive measures are essential to prevent cancer in our pets. Therefore, it is very important to use sunscreen for our cats, before letting them expose themselves to solar radiation.
It should be remembered that white cats are more vulnerable to damage from excessive exposure to solar radiation. The low content or absence of melanin causes the skin to absorb more sunlight. As a result, its cells can be damaged more easily, which increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
