If this can happen in Ireland can you imagine what happens to Australia's domestic cats left outside?
A cat was forced to have her ears amputated after she suffered sunburn as owners are warned to keep their pets indoors and apply sunscreen on hot summer days.
Smurf, from Belfast, was picked up from the streets last autumn after she was believed to be in a car crash.
She was rushed to a vet who removed her right eye and ear tips, which had been badly sun-damaged, and has since been rehomed
Cats Protection has now issued advice to owners, warning them of the dangers of letting cats lounge about in the sun.
Smurf, from Belfast, was picked up from the streets last autumn after she was believed to be in a car crash
Smurf's owner, Kate Large, said: 'She wasn't in Lisbon or Madrid. She was outside in Northern Ireland for less than a year, with the amount of sun we get in Ireland and this was the damage it caused.'
The 49-year-old, who volunteers at the shelter, said prior to adopting Smurf, she had not been aware cats could get such severe sun damage.
'Most people are great cat owners and would be mortified if their cat got cancer due to what technically is their lack of education,' she said.She adopted Smurf after a previous kitten she had taken in died from a mutated coronavirus, which left her self-isolating for seven weeks.
Smurf's owner, Kate Large (pictured), said: 'She wasn't in Lisbon or Madrid. She was outside in Northern Ireland for less than a year, with the amount of sun we get in Ireland and this was the damage it caused'
'Smurf is just a really easy cat,' she said. 'She's so grateful, she had to fight so hard for a basic, decent life. I look at her and think, to me, she is perfect.'
The charity is trying to raise awareness of the effects of sun damage, which can be severe even in indoor cats.
Sarah Elliott, central veterinary officer for Cats Protection, said: 'Cats are notorious for their love of lounging around in the sun but, just as with humans, this can be a very dangerous activity when the sun is at its hottest.
'Even on a cold day, when the sun is bright then there is still the potential for damage to occur.
The 49-year-old, who volunteers at the shelter, said prior to adopting Smurf, she had not been aware cats could get such severe sun damage
Cats Protection has now issued advice to owners, warning them of the dangers of letting cats lounge about in the sun
'Pale-coloured cats like Smurf are particularly at risk, or indeed any cats that have unpigmented white noses or ears. It may take a few years before the damage is visible but, once the early stages of cancer set in, cats require urgent veterinary treatment to prevent it spreading. However, following a few simple steps will help to protect pets from the sun.'
Owners are recommended to keep their pet indoors when the sun is at its hottest, and speak to a vet about suitable sunscreen for their animal.
They should provide plenty of shade for pet cats when they are outdoors and ensure they have enough water. To stop cats overheating, place a plastic bottle with frozen water inside a towel and place it in an area the cat frequently visits.
Australian Tree Kangaroos
:) Great favourites of mine. Have enjoyed drawing them after watching them in Far North Queenland.
Yes Incognito. Have drawn lots of Australian animals over time: native mammals, birds, butterflies, fish etc. For example ...
Thanks Hola and Incognito. I have published them as part of educational websites I have made over the years. No digital art shows though. So many Aussie animal drawings over time LOL.
Australian fritillary butterfly tops list at greatest risk of extinction, study reveals
By Emma Siossian and Cameron Marshall
Posted Yesterday at 5:26am, updated Yesterday at 8:52am'Butterflies on the Brink'
The black grass-dart butterfly is also under threat.(
Supplied: Mick Andren
)
Dr Lambkin is one of the authors of a new study, Butterflies on the Brink, published in Austral Entomology, which has identified the top 26 Australian butterfly species and subspecies at greatest risk of extinction within the next 20 years.
The Australian fritillary butterfly tops the list.
The study found that, without new conservation action, the Australian fritillary had a 95 per cent likelihood of extinction within 20 years
Australian fritillary butterfly tops list at greatest risk of extinction, study reveals - ABC News
Before and after
https://www.quora.com/At-what-age-should-you-crop-a-Dobermans-ears
What they do to a poor dog's ears.
Giraffe Manor
For our colder weather!
