Cat who lost ears to sun damage looks for new home

A former stray cat that lost both his ears after suffering sun damage is looking for a new home.

Mittens, 12, arrived at the RSPCA's Suffolk Central branch in Martlesham several weeks ago with severely damaged ears which staff said were "practically falling off".

The decision was made to remove the outer part of his ears to stop the spread of any potential skin cancer and he has now been given the all clear.

A spokesperson from the branch said the team could not wait "for him to get his retirement home he deserves".

After the removal of the outer part of his ears, tests were also done on other parts of Mitten's face before being given a clean bill of health.

Although he does not require any further treatment, he is looking for an owner who can monitor his skin for any changes and he would have to be an indoor-only cat.

Staff said he now enjoyed his days relaxing in warm spots and enjoyed scratches and laps to curl up on.

"Mittens has come so far throughout his stay here, and has taken everything in his stride," the branch spokesperson said.

"Everyone who has met Mittens has fallen in love with him and we all can't wait for him to get his retirement home he deserves."

Cats, like humans, are at risk of skin cancer if exposed to too much sun and the RSPCA recommends pet-safe sun cream.

"Cats can get sunburnt in exactly the same way as humans do, and exposure to the sun causes them all the same risks," Rebecca Ashman, head vet at the animal welfare charity, explained.

"To keep them safe, you can gently apply some pet-safe, waterproof sun cream - at least factor 30 - to the front and back of the tips of your cat's ears and a bit on the furless part of their nose."

She urged owners to "take it slow" and reward their cats with treats when applying the cream.

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