Has your cat ever given you a headbutt and you feel their cold, wet nose rub against you, but then another time their nose is warm and dry? What gives? Should cats noses be wet or dry? According to Purina.com, the answer is both! Cat's noses can vary between wet and dry throughout the day. It also depends on the individual - some cats have drier (or wetter) noses than others!
So, what are some reasons for a wet nose in cats?
Catster.com says that a wet nose on cats is due to clear mucus produced in their nasal cavity. This mucus helps to trap scent molecules and contribute to their status as super sniffers! They also say that a cat's tear ducts are connected to their nasal passages, so there could also be eye drainage that makes your cat's nose feel wet.
So, it's normal if your cat's nose is wet, but if there is discharge from the nose, particuarly if it is discolored or even bloody, there is cause for concern! Again we go to Catster.com and they say if a wet nose on a cat is accompanied by yellow or greenish mucus, an infection is likely. If your cat has a runny nose with clear mucus, it could be a sign of allergies. They also say that a cat with a stuffy nose might eat less because they can't smell their food as well, or might have trouble breathing. Cat's don't normally pant the way dogs do, so if your see your cat breathing through it's mouth that way, it's a sign of trouble! If you see any of these signs, a trip to the vet to get it checked out is in order!
And, what would cause a cat dry nose?
Cats love to be warm and cozy, and that might involve laying in a sunbeam coming through the window or snuggling up near a heater in your home. All that heat could cause a dry cat nose temporarily. Purina.com adds that senior cats might naturally have dryer noses then younger cats or kittens. So if your cats nose is dry, its not usually a cause for alarm!
If your cat is one that loves the sun, all that sunbathing could cause a sunburn on your cat's exposed nose, particulary if they have a lighter colored nose. So, if your cats nose starts to look red and the skin peels, you might want to look into some cat safe sunscreen. (Don't use people sunscreen on cats because it can contain things like scents that can be dangerous for your cat to ingest and you know they're going to lick it!)
If the skin on your cat's nose is flaking or cracking, it could also be a sign of a skin condition. If they seem to be itchy in other areas or their skin is red or flaky under their fur, those are additional signs that a vet might need to look at their skin.
There could also be times when a dry nose can indicate an underlying condition though. If your cat's nose is dry and hotter than usual - not just warm - it could mean that your cat has a fever. If your cat's nose is dry and hot, and they have other signs like low energy, that could also be a sign of an infection and time for a trip to the vet.
To sum up, cats noses can be wet or dry and even the same cat can cycle between a wet nose and a dry nose throughout the day. Usually a wet or a dry nose in your cat is not cause for alarm, but if there are other symptoms like mucus or itching and flaking, a trip to the vet is recommended!
Cover photo by Katelyn Greer on Unsplash
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