Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.
Cats get into all kinds of mischief. And that’s bad enough. But some of the seemingly normal things that cats do, can also add complications to their lives. And, here comes the sun, so to speak.
We all love a cat sunbathing. They look happy, very content. Sleeping, rolling around, they even seem to be able to change positions while half asleep to stay in the perfect sunbathing position following the rays around the house.
Pancakes and Tillers both love a good sunbath. Since they spend little time unsupervised outside, they usually do their sunbathing during the day, inside. And it doesn’t take long for them to find the best places to catch the seasonal rays either…the bed, the hallway, and even once (yes, I admit it) since the cats photoshooted on the counters, found Tiller a sunny spot on the kitchen table now and again.
What’s the Problem with Sunlight?
In many species, the sun has a physiological effect, to help the body convert vitamin D. This vitamin has traditionally been considered an important factor in bone health, but newer research shows that in many species, vitamin D receptors are found on cells throughout the body, and they may actually play important roles in regulating or preventing cancer, as well as lowering the risks of cardiovascular disease, autoimmune issues, and infectious diseases. However, in cats, they obtain most of their vitamin D through food intake, which is considered an evolutionary adaptation as they consume the vitamin D stored in the liver of their prey.
So, while cats may not need the sun’s vitamin D-boosting effects, they can get other benefits. Since their basal body temperature is higher than humans (anywhere from about 38.1-39.1 degrees Centigrade), they can only benefit from high heat levels. And certainly, there may be many other factors that contribute to the cat’s love of a good sunbath.
The Downside of Sunbathing
But with the pros, comes the cons. Even indoor sunbathing can increase the risks to the sunbather. The sun can irritate the skin, causing redness, dryness and even scabbing in a condition called actinic (solar) dermatitis. Left unchecked, it can turn into full-blown skin cancer. It is usually seen in cats with little pigmentation or hair on their ears and nose, where the disease usually occurs. Older cats, especially those on medications such as corticosteroids, who are generally sun-exposed, may also experience haircoat bronzing—where darker coat colors become lighter, or bronze.
How to Reduce Risks
Now, this doesn’t mean you have to completely stop sunbathing your cats. However, some options can help reduce the risks and are relatively straightforward:
- Consider a pet-safe sunscreen for your cat’s ears and nose, if they receive high levels of sun exposure.
- Close the blinds, or get a UV film application for the windows, to reduce UV entering the home, which damages the skin most of the sunlight.
- Limit the amount of time your cat can spend outside during the hours of the most direct sunlight
- Make sure you have regular veterinary check-ups for your cat, as actinic dermatitis is caught early, it is easier to treat.
As those of us in the Northern Hemisphere approach the warmer months, that doesn’t mean we have to cut back on our cats’ sundowners. However, there is nothing wrong with playing it sun safe, and sun smart! Or, as the Aussies say: slip, slip, slap to prevent sun-induced cancer in their sun-loving human population. There’s no reason not to take the same preventative measures with your own sun-loving cat, and find what works best for you.
