It is a common misconception that a dry or wet nose equals a sick cat. In fact a healthy cat’s nose can vary between wet and dry throughout the day, although the average cat has a cold, moist nose. If other symptoms accompany your cat’s dry nose however, it could mean that he or she is ill. In this case it is best to make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Causes Of Dry Nose
If you are wondering why your cat’s nose is wet sometimes and dry at other times, you are not alone. Temperature and humidity often correlate as to whether or not a cat’s nose is wet or dry. For instnace, kitty’s nose could be dry from laying in the sun, or it could be wet because he was just licking himself. As your cat’s environment changes throughout the day, so does the temperature and moistness of his nose.
When To Be Concerned
If your cat’s nose is dry at other times while he is also experiencing symptoms of illness such as vomiting, diarrhead, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, weight loss, etc. then it could mean that your cat is sick. In addition to this, a cat with severe dehydration can have a moist noise and a cat with a dry nose that accompanies coughing, sneezing, weight loss etc. could be a sign of another underlying health problem.
A Cat’s Nose Color
Just as a cat’s nose can be wet, dry, cold, or warm, it can also change color. Typical colors include pink, black, liver colored, or the color of your cat’s fur. Try to keep a close eye on your cat’s nose color, as his or her nose can actually lighten if they are sick. Once they are healthy again, you may notice that their nose will become dark again. In addition to being ill, it is also not uncommon for a cat’s nose to fade during the colder months and return to its normal color in the summer.
Leave a Reply