Do Cats Need Pet Sunscreen and Bug Spray?

By the time it’s late summer, most of us two-legged creatures are used to putting on sunscreen and bug spray before we go outside. But what about our four-legged family members? While it might sound strange, cats can benefit from sun and bug protection too. 

Just like humans, they can suffer from insect bites, allergic reactions, and sunburn. Here’s what the team at Sacramento Cat Hospital wants pet parents to know about sun, bugs, and protection for both.

Yes, Cats Can Get Sunburned

While all cats can get sunburn, some breeds face a higher risk of sun-related issues like sunburn, heatstroke, dehydration, and skin cancer.

Cats with white or light-colored fur (cream or light gray) are particularly susceptible. This includes breeds such as Siamese, Himalayan, and Persian.

The highest risk of sun damage is for breeds with thin or no fur coats, like the Bambino, Sphynx, Donskoy (Russian Hairless), and Peterbald.

Regardless of fur length or color, it’s important to protect all cats from excessive sun exposure.

Signs Your Cat May Be Sunburned

If your cat has spent too much time in the sun, you might notice these symptoms:

• Red, scaly, inflamed, or crusted skin that feels warm to the touch.
• Swelling in areas like their eyes, stomach, paw pads, or nose.
• Pain or discomfort, which might make them sensitive to touch.
• An increased urge to lick or scratch the affected areas, potentially worsening the skin irritation.

In more serious cases, blisters or open sores could develop, raising the risk of infection.

Cat Safe Sunscreen

The good news is that there’s sunscreen available specifically for cats to use. These sun protective products help protect your pet’s most sensitive areas from harmful ultraviolet rays, which is especially important if your kitty loves to join you on hikes, boat rides, or beach rays. 

We recommend:

• California Baby spf 30+, comes in stick or lotion
• Neutrogena Helio Plex dry touch spf 30+
• SunFREE

Apply to light colored thin hair area, ear tips, nose.

UV-Blocking Window Film

For indoor cats sunning themselves near windows, consider using UV-blocking window film to reduce sun exposure. 

Insect Repellents

Ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and flies can all make life miserable for your pet in the summer. But they can also spread harmful diseases like Lyme disease and heartworm. 

Pets should always be taking heartworm prevention to help mitigate this risk, but bug repellent can help keep skeeters off your pet’s face. This is particularly helpful if you love to take your pet camping in the woods, where bugs abound unchecked. 

Watch Out for Toxic Ingredients

When it comes to protecting your pet from mosquitoes, never use repellents made for humans. Products not specifically intended for pets can be harmful. Even some repellents claiming to be pet-safe, whether store-bought or DIY, can pose risks.

Always talk to your veterinarian before applying any commercial or homemade mosquito repellent to your pet. They can recommend safe and effective options.

DEET and Cats Don’t Mix

This ingredient, found in many human insect repellents, is toxic to felines and can cause neurological issues, stomach problems, and even be deadly. Prioritize your cat’s safety by avoiding all DEET-based products near them.

Catnip and Mosquitos

Catnip isn’t just for feline fun—it’s also an effective mosquito repellent.

The secret lies in nepetalactone, the active compound found in catnip, which can actually be more effective at repelling mosquitoes than some common insect repellents.

The Best Pet-Safe Sunscreen and Bug Spray

Need help picking the best sunscreen and bug spray for your cat? Reach out to our caring team at Sacramento Cat Hospital. Call us at (916) 488-4161 to make an appointment today!