Published 5 hours ago • loading... • Updated 4 hours ago

Cat loses both ears from extreme sunburn

Eight-Year-Old Buddy, a domestic shorthair, was taken to Battersea's Old Windsor Cattery in May after suffering serious sun damage to his ears. Vets diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma on one ear and pre-cancerous cells on the other, requiring both ears to be amputated.
Cats with white or pale-colored fur face heightened vulnerability to sunburn and sun damage, particularly on exposed areas like ears and noses. The ongoing heatwave has prompted Battersea to urge pet owners to take extra precautions during hot weather.
Medical examination revealed both cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions; Hazel Adams at Battersea Old Windsor cattery recommends titanium dioxide-based sun cream while warning against zinc oxide products. She emphasized that shade, hydration, and indoor time during peak heat are protective measures.
Following complete healing, Buddy entered adoption last week beginning August 10. Ms Adams noted 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.'
The charity now uses Buddy's case as a cautionary reminder of UV exposure dangers, with Adams stating 'Buddy's story is a serious reminder of just how devastating sun damage can be to our pets.' Battersea continues urging owners to implement sun safety protocols during the heatwave.

Insights by Ground AI