Why is my cats nose wet

Cute little and slightly wet cat noses – who does not adore them? How can you not love them? In fact, nothing feels sweeter and more satisfying like a kitty rubbing its fur, nose first, against you. However, just like human beings, different cat breeds tend to have vastly different bodily functions that could vary from one kitty to another. The same applies to the cute little feline nose. It is easy to think that an excessively wet or dry cat nose translates to disease or illness but nothing could be further from the truth.

Some Cats Have Dry Noses While Some Have Wet Ones

Some kitties have naturally wetter or drier noses than the average feline. If anything, the moisture content and temperature in a cat’s nose tends to vary significantly all throughout a typical day. The same cat sporting a soaked nose at dawn can have a scorched dry nose at dusk, and this is perfectly normal. What you need, therefore, is to familiarise yourself with the expected moisture-level that the nose of the kittie vis-a-vis the ‘state of the kitty’s nose.’

Why are Our Kittie’s Noses Wet?

The simplest explanation for this is that the skin around a cat’s nostril – also known as rhinarium – tends to be overpopulated with active sweat glands. The  cat’s perspiration together with the draining tears from its eye’s tear duct contribute to the wetness of this part of the nose.  What’s more, cats tend to be fastidious and meticulous groomers – the constant and continuous licking also contributes to them inadvertently adding a thin layer of wetness to the nose.

A wet kitty nose can also be due to the water or feeding bowl. It is not uncommon for cats to accidently dip their short snouts in water while attempting to quench their thirst on a hot summer afternoon.

A Dry Kitties’ Nose

Dry cat noses are just as common as wet ones, and most often than not, it is not a cause for alarm that should have you calling the vet. Sometimes a cat can have a dry nose out of something as unassuming as spending too much time outdoors sunning themselves. Sometimes they can have a dry nose just by spending a significant amount of time next to a heat source such as a heating vent or your home’s heating source.

References: Ascapet Insurance, Human society, KHpet

A cold, wet nose is just one sign of wellness in cats and dogs and should not be considered in isolation as an indication of overall health. On occasion you will find a healthy pet with a warm dry nose. Perhaps they don't lick their nose as often, or secrete as much mucous. On the other hand a sick pet can have a cold, wet nose. 

Scent

Dog's noses secrete a thin layer of mucous that helps to absorb scent chemicals. When they lick their noses, the dissolved scents are presented to the scent and taste receptors (olfactory glands) on the roof of their mouths. A cold wet nose is just one of the reasons why dogs have an amazing ability to detect scents. 

Cooling

Moist noses are also one of the ways that dogs can regulate their body temperature and cool down. Unlike humans, dogs don't have sweat glands. They secrete sweat from the pads of their feet and their noses.

When to see the vet

If your pet has a dry nose and is showing signs of illness or pain (check the links below for other signs you can look out for), they should see a veterinarian. Similarly, unwell pets with cold, wet noses should also have a veterinary check-up. If you notice any unusual nasal discharge you should visit the vet as it could be a sign of a medical condition. Normal nasal secretion should be thin and clear, whereas thick mucous or crustiness around the nostrils could indicate signs of an upper respiratory infection.

Book online Book an appointment

If you “boop” your cat’s nose and realize it’s wet, it may come as a surprise. Are cats’ noses supposed to be wet? Yes, they are. Just like dogs, cats’ noses should be wet and not dry, but the reasons behind that can be complicated.

Find out why cats’ noses should be wet, what it means if your cat’s nose is dry, and what you should do about it.

Why Are Cats’ Noses Wet?

Cats’ noses are usually wet and cool, which helps them pick up scents and determine the source – just like dogs. Scent particles stick to wet surfaces more easily, which is why it’s an evolutionary advantage to have a wet nose.

Cats have a scent gland above the roof of their mouths, the Jacobson’s organ. This organ helps them detect odors when they breathe through their mouths. Sometimes, they’ll open their mouths a little to take in the scent better, known as the flehmen response. If you’ve ever seen your cat look completely offended by a smell, you’re seeing this ability at work.

What If My Cat’s Nose is Dry?

While cats’ noses should be wet and cool, a dry and warm nose doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem. If your cat recently groomed its nose, it could feel dry. Your cat’s nose may also be dry and warm if it was sunbathing outside or in a window.

In addition, some cats just have warmer or drier noses than others. Pay attention to what’s normal for your cat’s nose at different times and after different activities. Once you know what’s normal, you can identify problems.

What if My Cat Is Sick?

Contrary to popular belief, your cat’s nose moisture and temperature aren’t reliable indicators of whether it’s sick. Instead, you should pay attention to actions and behaviors, such as inappetence, lethargy, increased thirst, digestive upset, or increased vocalization.

That said, if your cat’s nose is suddenly drier and warmer than normal and stays that way, combined with other symptoms, it could indicate a fever or dehydration. Cats are notorious for having drinking problems, so it’s important to pay attention to signs of dehydration.

Conversely, an overly wet nose can also spell trouble. If your cat’s nose is wetter than normal, it could be because of discharge that indicates a respiratory infection, allergies, or other health conditions. This may be accompanied by wheezing or congestion. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian for an exam.

Sunburns on Cats’ Noses

Cats like to sunbathe, and the hairless nose can be at risk of sunburn. This is more common in light-skinned cats with pink noses. If your cat has dryness, swelling, redness, and flaky skin on its nose, it could have a sunburn.

Here are some ways you can prevent sunburn on your cat’s nose:

• Keep curtains and blinds closed on sunny days or prevent sunbathing.
• Keep your cat out of rooms that get a lot of sunshine on hot, bright days.
• Put some cat-safe sunscreen on your cat’s nose. Consult with your veterinarian about your best options and how often you should apply it.

Conclusion

Cats’ noses are usually wet and cool, allowing them to pick up scents in their environment. While a dry, warm nose doesn’t always mean something’s wrong, it’s good to pay attention to what’s normal for your cat and address any problems that arise.

Featured Image Credit: miezekieze, Pixabay

Should you be worried if your cat's nose is running? It really depends on the situation. The truth is that while some runny noses can be easily treated, it is sometimes indicative of a larger health issue. Read on to learn what causes runny noses in cats and to find out when you should take your cat to the veterinarian for treatment.

Why Your Cat's Nose Is Running

If your kitty has a runny nose, it's likely due to inflammation, trauma or infection of the tissues in their nasal cavities or sinuses.

But if your cat is consistently snotty, then they could have an upper respiratory infection. Most upper respiratory infections in cats are caused by viruses, like herpes viruses and caliciviruses, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Bacterial infections are the second most common cause of runny noses, which include Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Thankfully, if your cat has had their recommended vaccines their risk of contracting these infections is dramatically diminished.

Beyond simple upper respiratory infections, though — most of which are mild and don't require treatment—there are a number of possible explanations for why your cat's nose is running, including:

• Rhinitis: In general, rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the nasal passages, which leads to a runny nose. Rhinitis can be caused by an upper respiratory tract infection, bacteria, a virus, and, less commonly, fungus. Allergies are also a possibility, but they're not an especially common cause of rhinitis in cats.
• Foreign bodies: When a cat inhales a foreign body, whether a piece of food or a strand of yarn, they can get a runny nose with colored discharge.
• Nasal cancer: This type of cancer can be aggressive in cats. In its early stages, it can lead to a simple runny nose, but may eventually progress to facial swelling, thick or colored discharge, pain and congestion, among other signs.
• Bloody nose: Clotting problems, cancer, foreign bodies or an inflammatory disorder can lead to a bloody nose.
• Trauma: Blows to the nose can cause bloody discharge that turns clear as the swelling subsides. Nasal discharge resulting from trauma can also become infected and turn greenish-yellow.
• Toxic irritants: Exposure to toxins can lead to severe nasal irritation and inflammation, which can, in turn, lead to a runny nose.
• Nasal polyps: Benign growths can cause persistent sneezing, congestion and a runny nose.

When to Take Your Cat to the Vet

Just because your cat's nose is running doesn't necessarily mean you need to dash off to the vet. In most cases, a runny nose is part of the normal nasal clearing process and/or the result of an infection that will clear up on its own.

The most common signs in cats with runny noses include sneezing, nasal discharge, red and runny eyes, coughing, oral or nasal ulcers, sniffles, fever and hoarseness. These common signs tend to accompany upper respiratory tract infections and often warrant a trip to the vet to ensure you can get your cat back to healthy.

More problematic signs you should be on the lookout for include severe eye swelling, bloody or greenish discharge, extreme lethargy, a high fever, poor appetite and difficulty breathing. Cats with these signs may just have a nasty cold, but they're also more likely to have bronchopneumonia or even cancer. Take your cat to their vet right away if you notice any of these signs. Early treatment can make a big difference.

Cat Runny Nose Treatment

If you have concerns about your cat's runny nose, then you should always consult your veterinarian. While sometimes a runny nose is just a runny nose, the potential of it being a greater health concern is worth getting an expert opinion to help keep your kitty feeling happy and healthy.

As with any cat health issue, the vet first needs to determine the cause before making treatment recommendations. Your cat's vet can pinpoint what's causing their runny nose by conducting nasal discharge analysis and blood tests. If they determine that treatment is necessary, they may prescribe an antibiotic or another medication to help clear the nasal passages and alleviate congestion. They may also recommend using a nebulizer machine that delivers medicine through a vapor.

While runny noses are often harmless, know that even severely snotty cats can often be effectively treated.

Dr. Patty Khuly

Dr. Patty Khuly is an honors graduate of both Wellesley College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She received her MBA at The Wharton School of Business as part of the prestigious VMD/MBA dual-degree program. She's now the proud owner of Sunset Animal Clinic in Miami, Florida. But that's not all. Dr. K is a nerdy reader, avid knitter, hot yoga fanatic, music geek, struggling runner, and indefatigable foodie. She lives in South Miami with three dogs, countless cats, two rescued goats and a hilarious flock of hens.

You can follow her writing at DrPattyKhuly.com and at SunsetVets.com.