Cat noses are quite possibly one of the cutest traits of all. And while a dog’s nose is super
boopable, a cat’s nose is something every cat lover admires. And that little perfect nose of theirs is surrounded with those twitchy whiskers to take things to the next level. If you’ve ever wondered why it is that your cat has a wet nose, you’re not alone. Here I’ll break down for you the reasons why—and also give you some signs to watch for that can give you insight into their health. Just keep reading!
So, what are the likely causes as to why cats have wet noses?
Your cat is all about grooming, and this can even add to that wet nose of theirs. Additionally, the amount of moisture in the air can be a factor, too. In the warmer months of the year when the humidity is high, don’t be surprised if your cat’s nose appears slightly wet to the touch more often than not. For your cat, they are only able to perspire through the paw pads on their feet and in between their toes. Which must be difficult at times with all that fur on their bodies keeping them nice and toasty.
But that cute little nose of theirs? Well, that helps to keep them cool. And what’s even more profound is that it’s believed that having that wet nose can help them to elevate their already heightened sense of smell. The dampness of their nose serves to trap and hold scent particles, so that when they do take a whiff of something, they really get a good whiff of it! And what’s even more interesting about that little wet nose of theirs? It has the ability to change color slightly and appear more vibrant in tone should something excite them. You know, like that tuna sandwich in your hand they quickly smelled out from across the house!
What to watch for when it comes to cat noses
Like humans, cats can get colds. The difference is, your feline friend isn’t going to walk around with a box of Kleenex whining about how lousy they feel. Respiratory infections in cats is common, and a cat nose that displays runny discharge can be a sign of it. It’s important to get your kitty medical help should they have a cold. While the average person will sit at home in misery and wait for it to pass, your cat can quickly develop an eye infection from an upper respiratory infection. And this is something which can cause them serious discomfort and the infection alone poses risk to their eye area.
Other signs of upper respiratory infections in cats include:
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Nasal discharge (clear but can become green or yellow)
- Eye discharge
- Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the pink membranes of the eyes)
- Squinting
Wait, what if my cat’s nose is dry?
Unlike dogs, if your cat’s nose happens to be dry this is usually not cause for concern. A dog can develop a dry nose which can become chaffed and cracked, but this is typically not something you will see occur in cats. (And for dogs, allergies can be a result of this.) It’s important to note that extended exposure to the sun can dry out your cat’s nose, even from the safety of that windowsill inside your home. So while cat freckles don’t occur due to sun exposure, excess exposure to the sun can dry out that cute little nose of theirs.
Obviously, some cats will have naturally moister or dryer noses than others. It’s simply a part of what makes them all unique. However, if your cat’s nose is overly warm to the touch and dry at the same time, look for other signs that they might be under the weather, too. This would include warning signs such as loss of appetite and sudden changes in regular behavior/activity. Should this be the case, it’s always better safe than sorry to take them in to see their vet should there be a combination of symptoms.
Now that you’ve learned all about your cute cat’s little wet nose, why not fill your brain with knowledge all about your cat’s whiskers! Check out my article here on cattitudedaily.com where I give you all sorts of fun and interesting facts about your feline friend’s twitchy facial antennas.
