Skin Cancer in Light Coloured Cats

With the sun starting to shine it is very important that light coloured cats are monitored closely as they can get skin cancer on their sensitive parts such as ears and nose.

Here is a post all about skin cancer in light-coloured cats, what the look out for and the best ways to prevent it:

Some skin cancers in cats are caused by exposure to the sun. White cats and cats with lighter coloured fur are more susceptible to sunburn than dark coloured cats and thirteen times more likely to develop skin cancer. This is because their skin is more vulnerable to UV-light due to the lack of melanin in the skin. The most common skin cancer caused by sun damage is called Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), it is a very aggressive cancer that can be fatal but can also be treated effectively if diagnosed quickly.

 

Symptoms and diagnosis

SCC is most commonly found on the tips of the ears, the nose and the eyelids, this is due to the lack of fur protecting the areas. Initially the cancer looks like small black scabs on the skin, it can easily be overlooked by owners for a small scratch. Other indications to look for are red sore ulcerated areas that continue to bleed with no signs of healing. A vet will need to take a biopsy in order to diagnose SCC.

 

SCC on Nose (img via)



SCC on eyelid (img via)



SCC on ears (img via)

Treatment

Depending on the location of the cancer and how advanced it is, the cancer can be removed surgically. For example, a pinnectomy (removal of the ears) is a very effective way to treat SCC on the effected ear tips. Other options such as cryosurgery (freezing cancer cells), radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy can also be affective.

Prevention

The best way to prevent SCC is by avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the summer months. However, this can be difficult as cats love to bathe in the sun and owners can’t always be around to keep an eye on them. There are special feline sunblock’s that can be purchased from a vet that the owner can apply directly to the susceptible areas. It is recommended to get a high SPF (30+) and apply frequently as cats are prone to groom themselves regularly, washing away the protection.

Fruity’s Story

Fruity came into Cats Protection when his owner became too ill to care for him. Because of this, Fruity spent most of his time outdoors where he enjoyed bathing in the raise of the sun. Unfortunately, his white tipped ears became victim to the damaging affects of the UV-light and therefore had to undergo surgery to remove the majority of his ears, preventing the possible spread of the cancer.

 

 

Fruity at the centre after ear removal

 

After his recovery Fruity went up for adoption and it wasn’t long before he found his forever home with his loving new family where he spent his retirement.

 

 

Fruity (changed the Lenny) at home

 

 

If you are concerned at all regarding any new marks of lumps on your cat then please call your local vet immediately.