White cat advice, please !

[blackcat]

Yes, young kittens take a bit of getting used to I discovered when Smidgen arrived. Fortunately they do settle down eventually and become quite staid.

[Wibblechick]

She's gorgeous!!! But ... she has the pink skin and so is vulnerable. Bob would, generally, lie in the shade when outdoors so was sensible. She needs to learn to do that - or to wear sunscreen (regularly applied). Good to see you around WC - have not seen you on for some months, and now here you are all over the place!!

Thank you

My guess is I will be asking a lot of questions now - no more sitting back with a quiet cat ,  Im back to being leapt over all night and treated as a sort of mobile cat activity centre.  My hair looks like something has slept in it (which is sort of the case !) and you could carry your shopping home in the bags under my eyes - but Im loving every minute of it  

[blackcat]

She's gorgeous!!! But ... she has the pink skin and so is vulnerable. Bob would, generally, lie in the shade when outdoors so was sensible. She needs to learn to do that - or to wear sunscreen (regularly applied). Good to see you around WC - have not seen you on for some months, and now here you are all over the place!!

[Ellen2010]

I know I had a foster cat that had the consequences of sunblock not being used and was told by the vet any sunblock with a factor of 20 or above the higher the better on any sunny days including February which was when the advice was given.  Unfortunately that boy had to have the tips of both his ears removed due to skin cancer, and lost him 5 months later to renal failure.

[Wibblechick]

Thanks everyone - some useful advice there 

[Mark]

I thought cat sunblock had to be free from salicylates (as found in aspirin) a lot of sunblocks contain them. As I remember, it is dangerous for cats and also people with fibromyalgia (sp) and I think MS as well.

[Bren22]

I doubt if there will be a problem while indoors, but if it goes outside in sunny weather keep an eye on it.  Some cats - like Harvey here - will keep out of the sun but if it's daft enough to sunbathe then a baby type sunblock will do.  How you keep it on nose and ears is quite another matter!!

[Susanne (urbantigers)]

I know pets at home usually sell a sunblock for cats.

[madamcat (Edd)]

Found this on Purrs Cat Care guides

Just as with people, excessive sunlight can be dangerous to pets. It is particularly a threat to cats with white or pale ears or noses, parts which may get sunburn that can even progress to skin cancer. It is best to keep these pets indoors on sunny days between 10am and 4pm. If this is not possible, sunblock (factor 15 or higher) can be used, but it will need repeated applications through the day.

Avoid products containing zinc or salicylates – get your vet to check if a sunblock is suitable. If your cat has reddening, scaling, crusting or scabbing, especially on the ears or nose, seek veterinary advice

[Wibblechick]

Thanks   Needless to say, we are now back to cloudy weather - panic over for the time being !  I am "Googling" reading links and compiling a list of questions for when thqy have their checkups

[Susanne (urbantigers)]

Pic of the lovely lady (hopefully!) from the duplicate thread which is now locked.

I think you can use any sunblock suitable for babies on cats?

[Wibblechick]

Thanks !

Suns gone in, so the worry has lessened    I have a lot to learn .....   

[madamcat (Edd)]

I have seen white cats who have had lesions and skin cancer of the ears and believe that sunblock is recommended on the nose and ears especially for white cats. BUT they have been outdoor cats. I would check it out with your vet about whether any damage can be done through window panes.

If you wanted to apply sunblock know there are special sunblocks for pets. Not all sunblocks are ok though as you have to be careful of some of the ingredients. Sun E45 used to be recommended by CP but unfortunately is not made any more.

Found a couple of threads where it was discussed on CC:
 http://www.catchat.org/discus/messages/18/216435.html
http://www.catchat.org/discus/messages/18/210520.html

[Wibblechick]

Thanks ! - First time Ive had an all white (and Ive managed to post this thread twice - I feel like a new Mum) 

[blackcat]

If she is behind glass she should be OK. No idea of sunblock, my only ever pure white cat had tan skin so never suffered from sunburn - died aged 19 with his ears intact.

[Wibblechick]

If I'm in the wrong place, PLEASE move this .... 

Is it OK for Olwyn to sit on the window sill in bright sunshine today, without a sunblock ?  I know shes going to need something in the summer .....  Shes having lovely fun watching the birds, the sun is pouring in ....  but I don't want a cat with sore ears ! 

And can someone reccomend me a good kitty-sunblock  ?