Why your moggie’s in danger during the hot weather – and the one toxic ingredient you MUST avoid this summer

THINK sunscreens are just for humans? Thanks to increased awareness about pets and sun damage, there are now dozens of feline-friendly SPFs on the market. As a cat parent, I was keen to find out what the fuss is all about. The Sun’s Thea Jacobs got her ginger cat Wiggins, 14, to test the feline-friendly SPFs on the market Credit: Stewart Williams Wiggins is determined to bask in direct sunlight all day long – a habit that could have dangerous consequences Credit: Stewart Williams Since parts of the UK have become hotter than the Bahamas, I’ve lost both my moggies to endless days of sunbathing. But while Minx, 16, is smart enough to move into the shade, my ginger boy, Wiggins, 14, seems determined to bask in direct sunlight all day long – a habit that could have dangerous consequences. Because like humans, cats are actually at risk of getting sunburn on their nose, ears and paws, and can develop skin cancer. In fact, it is now one of the four most common types of the disease to develop in felines. Luckily, the first kitty sunblock was invented about 15 years ago and there are now several varieties on sale, with the global pet suncream market thought to be worth £158million. In a TikTok video, This Morning vet Dr Scott Miller said it is “really important” that pet owners are vigilant, warning: “You do need to apply suncream. Make sure that you apply that to the ears, to the nose, just any areas which are hairless.” But he stressed that any sunscreen used must be specific to pets, as many contain zinc oxide, which can be toxic to animals. As most cat owners will know, felines tend to freak out when it comes to administering any type of medication, from eye drops to flea treatments and – worst of all – tablets that have to be taken orally. Past attempts have resulted in hissing, guttural miaows and, more of than not, painful skin lacerations. So I risked life and limb when I attempted to test some of the suncreams on Wiggins, who was less than impressed by my attempts to lather him up. Here, I rate each one, testing for ease of application, price and longevity of wear… WINNER: BE:LOVED PET SUN BALM SPF 50, £12.99 (60G) Amazon The Be:Loved Pet Sun Balm is one of the easiest to apply and you only need a little amount – so it’s great value Credit: Stewart Williams WHILE this lacks a cat on the packaging, it is actually designed for them as well as dogs. This balm smells fantastic, with a hint of lavender, and even Wiggins doesn’t seem disgusted by it. This is one of the easiest to apply as I rub it onto my finger before applying it to his nose and ears. The texture reminds me of body butter crossed with a lip balm. The biggest downside here is that you can’t tell where the balm has been applied to because it is clear, so I’m probably going over the same spots. Never mind. That said, Wiggins doesn’t immediately try to lick this off, which is a positive sign. And given how little of the balm I need to cover his ears and nose, this is great value. RATING: 4/5 NOSE PRINT: SUNSCREEN SPRAY FOR PETS SPF 50, £16.99 (100ml) Amazon This definitely gives maximum coverage, but it smells like something I’d put on salad Credit: Stewart Williams THIS looks like something you’d expect to find in a fancy hotel bathroom with its sleek packaging. It boasts being zinc-free and non-toxic – buzz words for any cautious pet owner. But there’s one serious downside: it’s a spray, and as any cat owner knows, squirt anything in their direction and they’ll scarper in seconds. When I waft it towards Wiggins, he swiftly beats a hasty retreat, so I spray it into my palm, then dab it onto the cat manually. The liquid leaves a white cast, which looks a bit like paint, but at least I can’t miss where I’ve applied it. This definitely gives maximum coverage, but it smells like something I’d put on salad. It’s also the most expensive, so I don’t think it’s great value for money. Plus the spray format is a major downside. RATING: 1/5 ANIWELL FILTABAC PROTECTIVE SUNBLOCK SPF N/A, £14.09 (120g) Amazon Wiggins was not impressed with this one so I’d probably give it a miss Credit: Stewart Williams THE packaging says it’s great for horses, dogs and cats. It is also scent-free, which is a plus. It’s made in New Zealand, where UV is a serious issue, which makes me feel confident it’ll do what it says on the bottle. The back says to seek veterinary advice for application to cats. Given this includes zinc, which is toxic to cats in large amounts, I’m not sure this is a long-term solution. Strangely, there is no warning about the danger of zinc to cats on the packaging, which I feel there should be. It has the texture of single cream, and Wiggins immediately licks it off his nose with seconds of me applying it. He’s not impressed, so I’d probably give this one a miss. RATING: 2/5 PET WIZ SUN PROTECTION BALM FOR CATS SPF N/A, £7.95 (28g) Amazon I’m not surprised this is so cheap – it certainly feels it Credit: Stewart Williams LOOKS like something you could get off Temu and shaped a bit like a Pritt Stick. The plastic lid is hard to get off and what’s inside smells like paint – and feels like glue when I test it on my hand. I’m not sure how on earth I’m supposed to get this onto Wiggins. When I show him the stick, he backs away, clearly unimpressed. To apply it to his nose, it’s a battle of wills and with his claws fully extended, it’s one I lose. It’s got the most ingredients by far and I’m not convinced olive oil or macadeamia nut oil are something either of my kitties need. I’m not surprised this is so cheap – it certainly feels it – and I wouldn’t buy it again. RATING: 0/5 LILLIDALE SUNBLOCK Blocks UVA & UVB, £11.99 (35g) Amazon A little really goes a long way and it’s relatively inexpensive, however there is zinc in this Credit: Stewart Williams THE only one in powder form, this smells inoffensive and Wiggins isn’t remotely bothered by it. It comes with a sponge applicator, clear instructions and – unlike the others, which require multiple stress-inducing applications per day – this only needs one. At first, I’m not convinced it will stay put, but Wiggins has a good roll and it’s clearly still there. This is also the only one that stays dry, meaning he doesn’t end up with all sorts of fluff and other bits and bobs stuck to his nose and ears. A little really goes a long way and it’s relatively inexpensive, however there is zinc in this, which isn’t ideal for cats. That’s the only thing bringing the score down. RATING: 4/5 NOSE PRINT: SUNSCREEN FOR PETS LOTION SPF 50, £9.99 (100ml) Amazon It is not my favourite, but it’s a good budget option Credit: Stewart Williams WITH different ingredients – including olive oil – to the other Nose Print product, this one also comes in a pump, making application much easier. It also proudly announces a lack of zinc, using titanium dioxide instead. This doesn’t really smell of much and Wiggins barely bats an eyelid when I let him sniff it. The consistency isn’t great, though. A pump produces a watery substance something akin to a paint consistency, despite giving it a good shake beforehand, as per the instructions. It leaves a white cast, which makes it easy to see where I’ve applied it, and it is certainly easier to use than the spray. It is not my favourite, but it’s a good budget option. RATING: 3/5