BATON ROUGE - Mike the Tiger’s Facebook page says that while the big cat has not lost fur as a direct result of his radiation treatment for cancer, he is experiencing some irritation from radiation burn.

Veterinarians attending to Mike VI say he’s been rubbing on his face because it itches. As a result, he’s rubbed some hair off, and a purple area is visible on his face.

It will take time to heal, but Mike’s veterinarians say they’re doing everything they can to treat the irritation. They also say the symptoms are not unusual with radiation treatment.

Mike doesn’t appear to be in any pain despite the itching, and his keepers say the fur he has rubbed off is expected to grow back.

According to Mike's Twitter account, the tiger had to stay indoors Wednesday due to drainage work in his habitat, but he was back outside on Thursday enjoying the sunshine.