Warning from RSPCA Cymru after cats had parts of their ears removed due to sun damage

RSPCA Cymru is urging owners to take precautions to keep their pets safe in the summer sun, after two white cats had part of their ears removed due to sun damage.

Two  cats – Tinker and Flash – have had part of their ears removed due to cancerous tips, caused by sun damage.

The two domestic shorthair crossbreeds are mainly white, which means they are more at risk to sun damage due to the pigment of their skin and less fur on their ears to protect them.

Tinker, who is around four years old, is now recovering at the RSPCA’s Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre and is ready for rehoming.

The RSPCA took her in after her owner had passed away and was found to have sun damaged ears.

Animal centre manager Victoria Williams said:

“Tinker is a lovely girl and enjoys having lots of attention from staff. We are looking for a quiet and calm home for her as she can be a little timid of new people.

“Tinker is a lovely girl and enjoys having lots of attention from staff. We are looking for a quiet and calm home for her as she can be a little timid of new people.

“But once Tinker gets to know you she is exceptionally loving and affectionate and will climb on you for a cwtch!.”

Flash is around nine years old, sadly said Victoria:

“Without previous preventative treatment also suffered sunburn damage to his ears.

Flash would love to have a new family to care for him, who can give him lots of attention. Flash adores people and has previously lived with another cat, so could also consider having a companion kitty if it was the right match.

It is such a shame that Tinker and Flash have lost part of their ears – but they are both adorable cats and will make lovely pets.”

RSPCA Cymru is reminding pet owners to make sure they keep a close eye on their pets this summer.

RSPCA Cymru’s top tips:

If your pet has white fur make sure to use pet safe sun-cream particularly on the tips of ears which can get sunburnt exactly the same as humans do. This is also true of horses and particularly their sensitive noses.

Fish can get too hot too! Tanks should be kept out of direct sunlight to protect your fish.

Get creative! Freeze your dog’s water bowl or kong before putting water or treats in to keep them cool for longer periods of time. This could work for any animals treats for example making sure carrots given to horses are from the fridge. Or put ice cubes into your dog’s water to cool it down.

Wrap an ice pack from the freezer in a tea towel so your dog or cat can rest on it if they choose to. You could also put damp towels in the freezer for your pet to lie on.

You might notice your pet likes to lie more on tiled surfaces than carpets when it’s hot – a cooling mat can also provide a nice place to help your pet cool down.

Put bottles of frozen water wrapped in a towel in rabbit and guinea pig enclosures so your rabbit can lie next to it if they want to cool down – make sure there is a shady part of the exercise area for your rabbits and guinea pigs at all times of the day. Rabbits are more susceptible to fly-strike in the summer so be sure to check them regularly.

Make an ice lolly from pet friendly ingredients – recipes can be found online but if in doubt ask your vet.

If your dog enjoys water use a paddling pool, hose or sprinkler, so they have the option to get wet and cool down

Pets may struggle to realise when they are too hot so make sure they have constant access to shade and don’t over exercise them in the heat. Don’t house any animal in direct sunlight.

Give your dog a piece of cold apple or cucumber to eat for added moisture.