Is it normal for a cat to have a dry nose?

Is it normal for a cat to have a dry nose? Why do cats get their noses wet? Around the nose of the cats circulates the same myth as in the case of dogs and it is none other than supposing that, touching it, one can determine temperature of the animal and, therefore, its state of health.

This myth is so widespread among cat sitters that we are going to dedicate this article to explain where this idea may have come from and what does it mean, really, the nose at the time of assessing the state of health 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, touch a cat’s nose we will feel it wet and cold. But it is also normal for the cat to have a dry nose, without this implying any pathology or, therefore, it is considered an alarm signal. Then why does my cat have a dry nose? Well, 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 source of heat, it is likely that his nose will appear dry and hot, without involving anything more than a reflection of the environment, unrelated to his physical state. Therefore, the answer to our question is affirmative, 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 a sick cat? We see it in the following 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 present its nose dry and hot. Perhaps 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 should look at other symptoms, not just the state of your nose.

The cat is decayed and has a dry nose

For example, if our cat is decayed and has a dry nose, it may be that yes, have a fever and is 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 that, in the cat, you have to put in the rectum.

Perhaps because of the difficulty involved in this maneuver, most caregivers prefer that the veterinarian 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 ° C.

In the same way that a dry hot nose does not imply a fever, it is not synonymous with dehydration. If we want to check the hydration status of our cat, the simplest and most effective way to do it is to watching his skin. If we stretch the area of ​​the cross, in a well hydrated cat it returns to its place immediately. On the other hand, if the skin keeps the fold and is not smoothed, 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 another symptomatology. And what conditions can we find manifested in the nose? We must pay attention to details such as the following:

• Cracks, furrows, desquamations and / or injuries without bleeding of that style.
• Black crust on the nose of the cat.
• Wounds, even if they are small in size.
• Secretions, of any color and consistency. Sometimes it may be a small amount of mucus that is dry around the nostrils.

All these signs will require veterinary review since they may indicate that our cat is suffering from a respiratory condition such as rhinotracheitis (viral infection), some dermatological problem or even a carcinogenic process.

It is important to note that most cats have the pink noseHowever, it may happen that there is a change in the color of the nose of the cat or that the nose of the cat itself turns white. Although at first it is not an indicative of disease, whenever it is observed accompanied by other symptoms you should consult with our trusted veterinarian.

This article is merely informative, in .com we do not have the faculty to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Is it normal for a cat to have a dry nose?, we recommend that you enter in our section of Other health problems.