Is it normal for a cat to have a dry nose? Why do cats get wet noses? Around the nose of cats circulates the same myth as in the case of dogs and it is none other than to suppose that, by touching it, you can determine the temperatureof the animal and therefore its he alth status.
This myth is so widespread among cat keepers that we are going to dedicate this article on our site to explaining where this idea may have come from and what it means, really, the nose when assessing the state of he alth of our cat. Do you think it's normal for a cat to have a dry nose? Keep reading!
The sensitivity of the nose
It is true that, on a regular basis, when you touch a cat's nose it will feel wet and cold. But it is also normal for the cat to have a dry nose, without this implying any pathology or, therefore, being considered an alarm signal. So why does my cat have a dry nose? Because the nose will change its state throughout the day depending on the environment
For example, if our cat is sunbathing or is near a heat source, it is likely that his nose will appear dry and hot, with nothing more than a reflection of the environment unrelated to your physical condition. Therefore, the answer to our question is yes, that is, yes it is normal for a cat to have a dry nose So why is it said that a dry nose is synonymous with sick cat? We see it in the next section.
Fever and dehydration
We have said that it is normal for a cat to have a dry nose, but it is also true that a sick cat is likely to have a dry and hot nose. Perhaps from this appreciation derives the myth that relates the dryness of the nose with the pathology. To determine if our cat is sick or not, we must look at other symptoms, not just the state of his nose.
The cat is listless and has a dry nose
For example, if our cat is listless and has a dry nose, it may have a fever and be suffering from some pathological process. But to know its temperature the only reliable way is to measure the temperature of the cat using a thermometer which, in the cat, must be placed in the rectum.
Perhaps because of the difficulty involved in this maneuver, most keepers prefer to have the vet check the temperature. For those who take it at home, it is important to know that the normal temperature of cats is between 37.8 and 39.2 ºC
In the same way that a dry and hot nose does not imply a fever, it is not synonymous with dehydration. If we want to check our cat's hydration status, the simplest and most effective way to do it is observing its skin If we stretch the one in the withers area, in a well hydrated cat returns to its place immediately. On the other hand, if the skin maintains the fold and does not smooth out, we will be facing dehydration. Of course, both fever and dehydration are Reason for veterinary consultation
What our cat's nose tells us
As we have already seen, it is normal for a cat to have a dry nose and we should not worry, unless it presents other symptoms. And what conditions can we find manifested in the nose? We must pay attention to details such as the following:
- Cracks, furrows, peeling and/or lesions without bleeding of that style.
- Black crust on the cat's nose.
- Wounds, even small ones.
- Secretions, of any color and consistency. Sometimes it can be a small amount of dry mucus around the nostrils.
All these signs will require a veterinary check-up as they may indicate that our cat is suffering from a respiratory condition such as rhinotracheitis (viral infection), a dermatological problem or even a carcinogenic process.
It is important to note that most cats have a pink nose, however, it may happen that there is a change in color in the cat's nose or the cat's nose itself turning white. Although initially it is not an indication of disease, whenever it is observed accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult with our trusted veterinarian.
