I was shocked to see a cat on the news that had her ears amputated due to severe sunburn, never realised about this. Sun protection cream is recommended. I wonder if dogs have the same problem, I guess so. I just wouldn't let them out for long spells, best kept indoors.
Having had cats all my life, I have never heard that either. My Ella seems to be pretty responsible outdoors, though. On hot days, she will sit under a shade tree, under my car, or under one of our standing planters. Most of our yard is shaded, which makes gardening difficult. I've been cutting trees but there are still more shaded places than those with full sun. However hot it is, she still wants to be out during the day, though.
I googled this to see if this was a rare occurrence - it is not As you say, cats usually find shade - maybe these unfortunates fell asleep in the sun …..
White goats (purebred Saanens) get sunburned easily because their hair is thinner than most goats. They are also prone to skin cancer.
I had my cat and dog for over 20 years, and in all those vet visits, I was never told to keep an eye on this. I mean, don't animals know better all on their own? I find web pages on this, but nothing regarding how common it is or risk levels. Funny, I got as far as typing "cat sunburned" and the immediate suggestion was "cat sunburned nose." Interesting that one article stated that even basking in the rays through a sunny window can be "a risk." How very odd.
I figured. I should have said "In case you're not blah blah blah." In any event, we got the PSA out there.
Its not odd though is it ? I feel foolish for having not considered that animals can get sun burnt - animals in hot climates protect themselves with mud and unfortunately we are getting that way weatherwise