Many owners of domestic cats think that a healthy pet should have a cool and wet nose, and if it is dry and hot, it is a sign of malaise and even illness. How true is this? The nose is indeed a very important organ for animals and a kind of indicator of the general condition of their body. But a dry nose in cats does not always indicate the presence of pathologies, just as a cool, wet nose is not a sign of good health in all situations. In which cases a dry nose in cats is normal, and in which cases it is an abnormality, read in our article.
The cat’s nose is one such organ having a very complex and delicate structure. In addition to the actual respiratory function, it also performs others. One of the most important is olfactory function. Thanks to many receptors and nerve endings found in the nose, pets are highly skilled at detecting and differentiating smells.
Besides, the nose plays a role in the body’s thermoregulation. The inner wall of the nostrils and the outer part of the nose lobe are endowed with special glands that produce a moisturizing secretion. It is the secreted liquid that helps animals catch odors. When the temperature of the environment or the pet’s body increases, it evaporates, thereby helping to cool the body. Cats also periodically lick their nose to maintain the necessary moisture on their surfaces.
When awake, at normal temperature and humidity, the cat’s nose remains cool and slightly wet – this is considered normal. But when these conditions change, the condition of this organ can change, and this does not indicate health problems. Let’s figure out in which cases a dry and warm nose is normal.
Physiological (normal) causes of dry nose
There is no need to sound the alarm if you find that your pet’s nose is dry and warm if:
- The cat is sleeping or has just woken up. During sleep, metabolic processes slow down, and the nasal glands practically do not secrete moisturizing fluid. In addition, cats do not lick themselves while sleeping. The nose can remain dry and hot (or warm) after sleep for up to 30-40 minutes, and this is considered normal.
- The pet has been in the sun for a long time, in a hot, dry, poorly ventilated room, near radiators or other heat sources (stoves, fireplaces, heaters, etc.). Under such conditions, the body temperature increases, and the fluid from the surface of the nose evaporates, helping to cool the body. After putting the animal in normal temperature conditions, its nose also becomes cool and moist.
- The cat has been active for a long time. After long games or running, the nose remains dry and hot for some time. This is because the animal’s temperature and blood pressure rise during activity. There is an extensive network of blood vessels under the nose. When the pressure increases, they expand, causing the nose to become hot and bright pink or red. When the pet rests and calms down, its nose will return to its normal state.
- The animal is experiencing stress. During periods of intense anxiety, the nose may also be dry and hot. The reason for this is the same increase in pressure and body temperature caused by the release of stress hormones into the blood. When the stress factor disappears and the cat calms down, everything returns to normal naturally.
- Your cat leads a sedentary lifestyle. Animals with a melancholic character, who prefer sleep and rest to games and activity, will often have a dry and warm nose for natural reasons. In the absence of activity, metabolism slows down, and the mucous membranes also work more slowly. Dry nose is also typical for older cats, who spend most of their time at rest.
- A dry and warm nose in the absence of other negative signs may be normal in kittens since their thermoregulation mechanisms are still just forming.
- In purebred brachycephalic cats (with a “flattened” muzzle), the nose usually remains dry. This is due to the physiological features of the skull structure.
- The noses of cats may remain dry and hot for a considerable time after surgery under general anesthesia. Usually, all body functions after surgery are fully restored within 10-20 hours.
- Normally, a dry nose is found in cats after childbirth. Childbirth is a significant stress for the animal’s body, besides which it is connected with the loss of fluid and nutrients. In this case, it is necessary to track the cat’s condition. You cannot let dehydration grow, but you just have to help the pet return to normal as soon as possible.
As you can see, there are quite a few natural reasons for a cat’s dry nose. Its condition can change many times a day depending on what your pet is doing and the conditions it is in.
Pathological anxiety symptoms
In addition to situations in which a dry and warm nose is normal, others indicate the development of pathologies in the body. You should seek help from a veterinarian if, in addition to a dry nose, you have found the following symptoms in your pet:
- Elevated temperature. Not every owner has the opportunity to measure it, and this can often only be done in a veterinary clinic. But another “indicator” of elevated temperature in cats is the ears. If your pet’s nose remains dry and hot for a long time along with pink and hot ears, most likely the body temperature is higher than normal. High temperature, in turn, can be a sign of infectious, viral, and other diseases that require immediate professional treatment.
- In addition to dryness of the nose, peeling and cracks on the surface of its skin are observed. This may indicate dermatological problems.
- The cat refuses food and water.
- The pet is lethargic and sleeps more than usual.
- Digestive disorders: vomiting, diarrhea (including bloody discharge).
- Nasal and eye discharge, watery eyes, coughing or wheezing.
The listed symptoms, along with a dry nose, may indicate various pathologies. Remember that only a veterinarian can diagnose the problem and prescribe the correct treatment. Thus, having discovered such signs, do not postpone a visit to the veterinary clinic.
Another pathological cause of dry nose is an injury sustained by the animal as a result of a fall, blow, etc. If you witness it, carefully monitor the animal’s condition and visit a doctor as soon as possible.
The nose may also become dry due to a foreign body getting into it and, as a result, partial obstruction of the airways. To remove it, you must also contact a specialist.
Is there any danger if a cat’s nose is wet?
As we have already noted above, if a cat’s nose is wet almost all the time, this is not a guarantee of its excellent health. For example, not all animal ailments are accompanied by an increase in temperature, which leads to a dry nose. In addition to the wetness of the nose, its color can indicate health problems:
- The pronounced pallor of the skin of the nose is a signal of possible problems with the cardiovascular system.
- A bluish tint is a sign of intoxication or oxygen starvation, which can be caused by obstructed airways or diseases of the respiratory system.
- Pale yellow color – may indicate liver and gallbladder diseases.
In addition, if the nose is wet but too cold, the cause may be hypothermia, poisoning, shock, or anemia. If you notice such signs in your pet, watch it closely and it is better to consult a veterinarian.
How to help a cat
If a dry nose is accompanied by other signs of ill health, only a specialist can provide qualified assistance and prescribe treatment. But if you have to wait for a doctor to be called, you can help your pet yourself:
- The first thing to do is to provide the animal with peace. Eliminate games so there is no possibility of going to the vet clinic soon, for too long, or any other activity, to protect the cat from possible stress factors.
- When you have detected signs of a high temperature or have managed to measure it, do not under any circumstances bring it down with medications intended for humans. In most cases, they are extremely toxic to the animal’s body and will only cause harm, even death. Soothe your pet by dampening the fur with water or by giving cool compresses to the abdomen, armpits, and back of the head. Keep in mind that a normal temperature in cats is 37.7 – 39.1° C.
- If your cat refuses water for a long time, try to give it water from a syringe yourself. When doing this, pour water into the animal’s mouth slowly, a few drops at a time, so that the pet does not choke.
If the animal’s condition rapidly deteriorates, try to provide it with medical care without delay.
Dry Nose Prevention Measures
To keep your cat’s nose healthy and to make sure it feels healthy and energetic, follow these preventive measures:
- Be sure your pet does not stay too long in the sun, hot rooms, and near sources of heat. Otherwise, it will overheat and suffer from heat stroke, which is harmful to health.
- Ventilate your home regularly, and maintain optimal temperature and humidity. Too dry air is harmful to cats, as is excessive heat – it can cause skin or respiratory problems.
- Make sure your cat always has access to clean drinking water. It is best to have several drinking bowls in different places.
- Do not overfeed your pet. Excess food can lead to many health problems for the animal. Establish a constant regime and use only high-quality cat food. A veterinarian can help calculate the feeding rate or follow the instructions on the food packaging.
- Keep following the vaccination schedule and regularly (at least once every 3 months) perform treatment against parasites (both internal and external.
- Have a full medical examination at the veterinary clinic every year at least. This will help identify any possible health problems at an early stage and successfully cope with them.
As one may see, a dry and wet nose can both be a norm for a cat. Everything depends on the state of the animal and its surroundings. Only an attentive and loving owner will not miss any circumstance that indicates that his pet needs help.
