Animals
Do cats need sunbathing? Find out here!
Do cats need sunlight? Understand today how the feline relationship with the sun's rays works and how to protect them.
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Find out why cats need the sun and they love it!
See, today, if cats need to sunbathe to keep their health up to date. Likewise, whether the sun's rays can cause any type of risk or damage to cats.
It is very common for cats to be exposed to the sun for long hours. Incidentally, many people noticed this in 2020, staying at home longer. With the social isolation of the pandemic, tutors began to observe the solar habit of felines.
But why does this happen? What is the relationship between cats and the sun's rays? Check out the answers to these questions below. So, see everything about felines' love for the sun and check whether or not this is healthy.
Why do cats need sunlight?
Cats naturally gravitate towards sunny places in the house. It is even common to see stray cats stretched out in the sun's rays, at ease and relaxed. At home this is no different. But what leads to it?
First of all, this is a natural instinct. You may have seen big cats lying in the sun on wildlife shows. So does the domestic cat, in a domesticated and smaller version, too.
And everything indicates that felines, whether domestic or not, are exposed to the sun for the following reasons:
- To balance the temperature of the organism: first, cats manage to balance the heat of the organism by exposing themselves to the sun. Thus, it is a way of ensuring that all of it is in balance.
- Obtaining vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for the human body, but not only for the human body. Other mammals, such as felines, also depend on it. And the main source of this vitamin is just sunlight. Therefore, the cat needs to sunbathe to obtain it.
How long does the cat need to sunbathe?
There is no exact time for which the cat needs to sunbathe per day. This varies according to each cat, its coat and special health conditions. Thus, some may spend more time exposed to the sun, while others less.
What you need to be careful about is the time they do it. Preferably, feline sunbathing should take place outside the period between 10 am and 4 pm, when the rays are strongest.
However, if your home does not have much exposure to the sun, it is possible to take advantage of the moment when it presents itself. Even at times of stronger rays, the low exposure time eliminates the main risks.
Is the sun good for cats?
Yes he does! After all, through it the cat obtains the balance of body heat. Likewise, to obtain and process vitamin D, which is essential for the body's health. However, not everything is flowers.
That is, there are some risks that cats face when choosing to spend long hours in the sun. They refer to the most well-known damage caused by the sun's rays to human skin itself. Thus, some care is needed. See what the main risks are.
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What are the care and risks with the sun, since cats need to sunbathe?
Just like humans, cats need to sunbathe, but some care is needed to prevent excessive exposure, and end up harming and causing health problems.
Dehydration
First, the cat's long exposure to the sun can make him dehydrated. That is, this can lead to a great loss of water and nutrients, such as minerals, from the feline's body. And this is quite harmful.
It can harm the kidneys, blood circulation and bring about other consequences. In that case, the main symptoms are dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness and imbalance, difficulty eating and sunken eyes.
But how to prevent this from happening? For this, always leave the feline with clean drinking water. The cat needs to sunbathe, but it also needs to be hydrated so that the organism remains in balance.
A good way to help him stay hydrated is to have more than one container of water available for him. Remember to clean it daily and always change the water, keeping it fresh.
Also, consider investing in an electrical source. Cats love to drink running water and, moreover, fresh. And that's exactly what this accessory allows.
burns
In some cases, the sun's rays can reach deeper layers of the skin. And in such cases, cause burns. Therefore, always consult the veterinarian to control this situation correctly for the cat's skin and fur.
In this sense, consider that not all cats have the necessary protection in their fur. For example, white fur cats are very sensitive to the sun and are prone to skin burns.
In their case, then, care is even more necessary. A good way to avoid exposure is to limit the number of places he can be when the sun hits your home.
In addition, for other cats, a good way to prevent sunburn is to use feline sunscreen. They are special for the skin and fur of these animals and therefore can protect it.
solar dermatitis
Another risk of cat exposure to the sun is the development of dermatitis. This occurs by inflammation of the areas that have had contact with the sun's rays. Here, it is relatively easy to recognize the development of the disease.
The affected areas are often red. In addition, there is hair loss. The cat tends to try to relieve pain and burning by licking the burned areas. And that, in turn, can leave you vulnerable to infections.
When noticing any indication of dermatitis, contact the veterinarian who accompanies your pet. Thus, it will be possible to find the best treatment for the recovery of the feline. Also, see how the cat needs to sunbathe (or stop exposing itself) to maintain its health.
Skin cancer
Finally, cats need to be exposed to the sun, but they are not free from the risk of skin cell burns leading to cancer. This is rarer, however it can happen, especially in the case of light hair that has no protection against the sun's rays.
It is possible to avoid it, in cats that can be exposed to the sun, with the application of sunscreen suitable for cats. Thus, he exposes himself to the rays, obtains all the benefits of the sun to the cat's organism and, in addition, prevents him from getting burned.
feline food base
Knowing the feline food base is important for cat tutors. It has details that require special care. Find out what they are!
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