On our way back to Plaka after visiting the Acropolis, we encountered a colony of stray cats where this white cat was living. White cats face a particular health risk due to the absence of pigmentation in their skin. Areas with sparse fur, especially the ears and nose, are highly susceptible to ultraviolet radiation. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can result in actinic dermatitis, painful lesions and granulomas, and, in more advanced cases, squamous cell carcinoma.
It is impossible to know this cat’s history with certainty, but the condition of his ears and the clean, rounded edges of the affected areas could indicate a previous veterinary procedure. One possibility is a partial pinnectomy, potentially performed at the time of neutering as a preventive measure against sun-related disease.
This is not a beautiful photograph, nor is what it depicts pleasant to see. It is, however, an honest representation of a reality that is often overlooked. Life outdoors exposes animals to environmental conditions that inevitably leave physical traces. In this case, the effects of prolonged exposure to the sun are clearly visible, without idealizing or romanticizing the reality of life as a stray animal.
For owners of white or lightly pigmented cats, limiting their exposure to direct sunlight, particularly during periods of intense ultraviolet radiation, is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
I wish this little one all the best and a long life.
Acropolis Hill, Athens, Greece
Camera: Canon EOS 77D / 9000D
Lens: TAMRON SP 28-75mm F/2.8 Di A09E
Capture Information:
Focal Length: 37.0 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/400
Aperture: f/4.0
ISO: 100
Photo Taken: May 19, 2026
High resolution
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