Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Are cats safe during a solar eclipse? Should I cover windows?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | unspayed | 11 months and 26 days old | 8.2 lbs

My cats (Especially Ginny) love looking out the windows. Several of my windows don't have blinds and I'm worried about the solar eclipse on Monday. I; myself, had retinal surgery so I'm very concerned about anything that could damage my or my cats' eyes. Should I put blankets over the windows without blinds?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 18th, 2017

Great question! Cats typically do not stare at the sun, it's not something that holds interest for them, so you don't have to be worried about Ginny or your other cats looking at the solar eclipse. As for you, given that you have had retinal surgery, it would be best for your eyes to cover the windows that don't have blinds with blankets. I hope this helps :-)

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat accidentally got out during the eclipse but it was cloudy so it was not visible. Should I be concerned about his eyesight?
If you are seeing a change in vision in your cat, it could have been caused by him looking at the sun. However, Texas was not in the path of totality, and pets are not prone to looking at the sun (that seems to be a human trait!). I think your kitty will be just fine.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Will my parrots be safe inside during the solar eclipse in a room with skylights? The Macaw likes to stare up at it during the day.
Hello, thank you for using Boop by Petco. Yes, Finn will be fine. The reason we do not stare up at an eclipse is the same reason you do not stare at the sun. You can burn the back of the eye called the retina. The more interesting question is why we do not see more retinal burns in animals? How do they know not to stare at the sun? Depending on where you are in the country, it may get dark enough that Finn may think it is bedtime. In any case, you certainly can cover up the birds at the time of the eclipse. Take care.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
The solar eclipse is happening Monday and I am worried about my service dog's safety. I am hearing conflicting things online from those who are not experts and I need a 100%certain answer. Monday is my first day of classes and I cannot go without her
Thank you for your question. I really don't think there is cause for alarm on Monday. Although solar eclipses happen on a rare occasion, they are not a threat to human or animal safety as long as you or your service dog do not look directly at the eclipse (could cause ocular problems). Dogs do not typically look up directly at the sun so this isn't really a concern. There may be more crowds of people in your town or area if it is listed as a major viewing area and traffic may be worse due to people going to these major viewing areas but aside from that, I wouldn't lose sleep over it! If you wanted to talk more about this, you may request a consult with me and I am happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, Just wanted to know if I need to get suncream for my fully white cat if he stays only indoors? He doesn't go outside but spend most of his time lookin out the window. Tried to research on the subject and some website says house windows are pro
Max is beautiful!! It is wonderful you are thinking of his delicate skin. I would look into the windows that you have to see how much UV light they block. It certainly helps vs having him lay outdoors in the sun, but if you want more protection you could also add a UV film to the windows he lays in most often. Putting a small amount on his exposed areas is unlikely to hurt him, but I prefer barrier methods as to reduce his exposure to chemicals. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is it bad to let cat sunbathe? My cat likes to sit by the window and soak in the sun. Could this harmful for her?
No, it's not likely to be harmful for your cat, it's mainly an issue for white cats but your cat is mainly black, especially on the areas that are exposed to the sun so i would not be worried about it.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
New Pet
Should I keep my 16 days old kitten's in sunlight coz they haven't opened their eyes yet... Someone suggested me that if we provide kittens sunlight then they will open their eyes.. Am so worried its been 16 days and eyes are not even opened a little
The opening of kittens eyes is not triggered by light and i would not expect it to speed the process. Very rarely surgical opening is required. If there is no swelling behind the eye, warm compresses for 2-3miinutes may help but be very gentle not to put any pressure on the developing eye structures
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi I have 2 all white cats I am trying to put suncream on them in this hot weather but they will have none of it any suggestions?
Sun screen will likely not do anything to help unless you are placing it on hairless areas, and I would be concerned if there are chemicals in it that may harm your cats if they groom themselves. Instead, providing your cats with a shaded, cool area to relax, and providing plenty of fresh drinking water should help.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hello, my cat loves to lay in the sun but I hear cats who do that ate more prone to getting skin cancer. I've been trying to look up sunscreens that are safe for cats but cannot find anything. Does anyone know of a cat sunscreen? Thank you.
Hello, there aren't any approved veterinary products, but you could find some at a local petstore. Cats that have white are more prone to developing skin cancer, however the incidence of this is very low especially in indoor cats. You should not stress to intervene with sunscreen as limiting your cat's time outside could be just as a efficient. Hope this helps and best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What is the best sun cream for a spynx cat who I can’t stop going out in the garden
Unfortunately, there are no FDA approved sunblocking products for cats. Use caution when choosing a pet sunblock. Avoid products with zinc oxide, PABA (para aminobenzoic acid), or octyl salicylate. These are toxic to cats. Consider protective suits or clothing for pets. The best way to prevent sun exposure is to restrict outdoor time between 10am and 3pm. https://www.amazon.com/Petscreen-Moisturizer-Moisturizes-Application-Convenient/dp/B07ZBQG1RS/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=sunscreen+pets&qid=1586541415&sr=8-12
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I have a cat that is 20 years old and her eye sight is failing, do they make prescription glasses for cats ? she is very healthy but can't see. Thanks Bill
Unfortunately, no - cats can't wear glasses or contact lenses the way that humans do, because the causes of vision loss in cats is not the same as a human who might be near-sighted or far-sighted. In most cases, vision loss in an older kitty would be caused by either cataracts or retinal degeneration - cataracts can be fixed with surgery, but there is no treatment or cure for retinal degeneration. I would recommend having your cat examined by a vet when you are able to, so that he/she can determine the cause of her vision loss and advise you on whether any treatment would be possible.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Related Searches

Cat Supplies Cat Food Cat Ear & Eye Care Cat Toys Cat Recovery Cones & Surgical Suits Cat Health & Wellness Cat First Aid Cat Eyedrops & Ear Medication Cat Litter Box Covers Outdoor Cat Enclosures Protect Cat Supplies PetAlive Cat Ear & Eye Care Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Solution Cat Medicine Cyclosporine Cat Health & Wellness Latanoprost Cat Medicine Cyclosporine Cat Supplies NaturVet Cat Ear & Eye Care Pet Honesty Cat Ear & Eye Care Pet Parents Cat Ear & Eye Care Cats Claws
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored