Cats' noses do not have a single coloration, just like their fur or eyes. So, the important thing is that we look at the color of our cat's nose because that way we can detect any change in tone that is significant. In the feline nose, we are more likely to see lesions or discharge, but, as we will see in this article on our site, we can also find that our cat has a white nose.
Below, we explain what may be causing the change in the color of your cat's nose and what to do at home. Read on to find out why your cat has a white nose!
Is it normal for my cat's nose to change color?
There is no "normal" color of the nose of cats because each specimen can present it in a different tone. For example, we find cats with pink, black, chocolate, gray or spotted noses. Now, when what happens is that the cat experiences a change in the color of the nose, we can get worried because this fact can hide a he alth problem Especially when the nose turns white, we must pay attention to the appearance of other symptoms such as weight loss, tiredness, lack of appetite or injuries, since this depigmentation may be related to a decrease in red blood cells, among other causes. So, in these cases it is not normal for the cat's nose to turn white.
Why does my cat have a white nose?
The nose can give us clues about a cat's state of he alth. Of course, it is convenient to deny the myth that noticing it dry or hot indicates that the animal has a fever. The only way to determine body temperature is to put a thermometer. In other words, if your cat has a dry and white nose, it is not synonymous with a fever, but he could be sick and suffer from, for example, dehydration, anemia, hypothermia, or a skin disorder called vitiligo. We explain these pathologies in more detail below.
Anemia and pale mucous membranes in cats
In a nutshell, anemia is a decreased number of red blood cells. It may be because there is not enough production or because they are destroyed faster than they are generated. Anemia is classified as regenerative or non-regenerative The former usually occurs when there is bleeding or hemolysis, which is the breakdown of red blood cells, which It happens in some serious diseases, such as feline leukemia or mycoplasmosis, or the consumption of certain drugs. The good news is that the body is able to respond by making new red blood cells. On the other hand, non-regenerative anemia, on the other hand, usually indicates a problem at the bone marrow level, nutritional deficiencies, chronic inflammatory processes or chronic kidney or liver disease. This type of anemia has a worse prognosis.
Anemia can be detected by the veterinarian by performing a blood test, but it is possible that we at home perceive some signs that make us think that something is wrong. Unless it is a very mild anemia that can be asymptomatic and be discovered in an examination for another reason, we can notice symptoms such as pale skin and mucous membranesOur cat will have a white nose area, but also the mouth, the inside of the eyes or the rest of the visible skin. Other symptoms to watch out for are weight loss, loss of appetite or tiredness, since red blood cells are essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Very serious anemias are a real danger to the cat's life. This may appear dehydrated when they stop feeding and become hypothermic, that is, a considerable drop in their body temperature. Of course, requires veterinary treatment More severe cases will require stabilization, treatment of the cause, and sometimes even a blood transfusion. For more details, see our article on anemia in cats.
Vitiligo in cats
Vitiligo is a disorder whose origin is still unknown, although several hypotheses are being worked out, which may explain why a cat has a white nose. One of the theories that attempt to explain this problem refers to the appearance of anti-melanocyte antibodies. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to skin, hair and the iris of the eyes. If it is destroyed, the result will therefore be the absence of color This depigmentation is what happens in vitiligo, which usually affects the entire area of the nose. There are no other symptoms beyond the change in pigmentation, which we can also observe in the coat (it usually shows black and white).
To confirm the diagnosis of this disease, it would be necessary to go to a pathology laboratory. In any case, has no treatment It is considered to be more frequent in Siamese cats. Luckily, it doesn't seem more than an aesthetic alteration.
Albinism in cats
There is another reason that explains why a cat has a white nose without any pathology. It is albinism. It is considered a hereditary transmitted disease that occurs due to a lack of production of the pigment melanin It can be confirmed using pathology, but there is no treatment.
We may suspect albinism if our cat is completely white, has blue eyes or one of each color or very light pink skin even in pads, lips or nose. It is not treated, but it is recommended to take into account a series of care for these albino cats, as they are more prone to deafness, blindness or skin cancer.
In this regard, the nose, as it is not protected by the mantle, requires greater care when exposed to the sun. Cats love to drink it, but it is convenient that we avoid direct exposure and it is recommended to apply a specific sunscreen for cats such as the one recommended by the veterinarian. These cares are not only for albino cats. Anyone can develop sunburn, especially on the most vulnerable parts of the body. In some cases, a malignant cancer called squamous cell carcinoma develops, which is characterized by causing lesions, especially in the nose and ears.
What to do if my cat has a white nose?
As you have seen in the previous section, some of the causes that explain why a cat has a pale nose are serious he alth problems, which is why the most recommended isgo to the vet as soon as possible. If you detect other symptoms such as those described, quick action may be key to obtaining a good prognosis.
