Do light-colored cats need sun protection?

Yes, and it is a genuinely under-discussed risk. White and light-colored cats, especially those with pink skin on the ear tips and nose, have a real, elevated risk of squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer directly linked to cumulative sun exposure in exactly those spots. It typically starts looking like a small scab or sore that will not heal rather than an obvious growth, which is why it gets missed or dismissed as a scratch for too long. If your light-colored cat spends real time in a sunny window, use a pet-safe sunscreen on the ear tips and nose, or block the most intense midday sun with a curtain or film.

When to call a vet: A sore or scab on a light-colored cat’s ear tips or nose that hasn’t healed within two to three weeks needs a vet check for possible squamous cell carcinoma.