Today, we are looking at the differences between SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), and how these relate to sun protection for your hairless cats, dogs, and skinny pigs.

What is SPF?

SPF, or sun protection factor, is a familiar term for most of us, commonly seen on sunscreen bottles. It measures how well a sunscreen protects the skin from UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. The SPF number indicates how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned compared to if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen. For example, if you typically burn after 10 minutes in the sun, applying an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically allows you to stay in the sun for 150 minutes (15 times longer) without burning.

However, it’s important to note that SPF mainly focuses on UVB protection. While some sunscreens offer UVA protection as well, the SPF rating does not measure this. UVA rays, while less intense than UVB rays, penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging and skin cancers.

What is UPF?

UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor, is a rating system specifically designed for fabrics. Unlike SPF, which is tested on human skin, UPF measures the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate fabric and reach the skin. A fabric with a UPF rating of 50, for example, allows only 1/50th of the sun’s UV radiation to pass through, effectively blocking 98% of UV rays.

The beauty of UPF-rated fabrics is that they provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This comprehensive coverage makes UPF clothing an excellent choice for safeguarding your sphynx cat’s sensitive skin when they’re in the sun.

Why UPF Clothing is Ideal for Sphynx Cats

Sphynx cats, skinny pigs, Chinese crested, xolo (Xoloitzcuintle), and American hairless terriers are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin damage. This is where UPF-rated clothing comes into play because it provides consistent, reliable protection across most of your hairless pet’s body. 

Here’s why UPF clothing is a game-changer for your Sphynx:

Comprehensive Protection: UPF fabrics shield your cat from both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring broad-spectrum protection.

Ease of Use: Once dressed in a UPF-rated shirt or bodysuit, your cat is protected and only needs sunscreen on exposed areas.

Comfort and Safety: UPF clothing is designed to be breathable and comfortable, keeping your sphynx cool while protecting their skin.

Choosing the Right UPF Clothing

When selecting UPF clothing for your Sphynx, look for items with a high UPF rating, ideally UPF 50+, which blocks 98% of UV rays. Ensure the fabric is lightweight and breathable to keep your hairless pet comfortable during warm weather. 

PRO TIP - Since the UPF clothing does not cover the entire body, you will still need a pet-safe sunscreen like RenewedPets to apply to delicate noses and ears and any other body parts that the clothing does not protect. (And don’t forget your hairless pet’s furry buddies too - their noses are also vulnerable to the sun).

So guys, stay sun-safe and enjoy the sunny summer days with your feline friend!

Keep giving your pets the best of natural life!

~PetCoachApril 

April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H

Please note that RenewedPet LLC is an Amazon Affiliate. Therefore, all sales which result directly from product links we share on our website and any of our social accounts will earn us a small commission for the referral. However, this does not in any way impact the quality of the items we recommend to our pet community, we only recommend items we have either personally used and loved ourselves, or would personally use on our own pets.  If Amazon doesn’t carry a product that we find best to recommend, we will continue to recommend purchase of that product elsewhere.