Cat's 'crispy' ears amputated due to sun damage

Phillip is looking for a new home

An elderly stray cat has had to have his ears amputated due to sun damage.

Phillip, aged about 13, was brought to the charity Cats Protection after he was found living on the streets of Bredhurst, Kent.

Stacey Gausten, deputy manager at the centre, said the cat's ears were amputated by vets as a precaution as they were "curly crispy", which was a "tell-tale sign of sun damage and can indicate skin cancer".

The charity said cats with white fur, especially ears or noses, were more vulnerable to sun damage, and it urged owners to keep their cats indoors during the hottest part of the day.

Cats with white fur, especially ears or noses, are more vulnerable to sun damage

"Just like humans, cats can suffer from sun damage, including the risk of cancer," Ms Gausten said.

Vets said pre-cancerous cells were found on Phillip's ears so the surgery was "a life-saving decision".

The charity said it was "obvious" Phillip had lived outside for a while before he was brought into their care.

Ms Gausten added: "Phillip has had a hard life but he's coped with everything and his spirit is strong.

"We're sure that when he has an opportunity to bond with someone in a calm home environment, Phillip will thrive and be a lovely companion."

Cats Protection helps an average of 184,000 cats a year.