THE MOSTLY NORMAL
It can be wet, dry, cold or warm. Most of the time these changes are due to the environment and mean nothing, but sometimes a change can be significant and a warning sign about your cat’s health. If you want to know what a cat nose should feel like normally, I guess you could say cool and moist.
Dogs can also control their body temperature and cool down by using their moist noses. Unlike humans, dogs don’t have sweat glands. Sweat is secreted by them from their noses and foot pads.
Your pet should visit a veterinarian if they have a dry nose and other symptoms of illness or pain (see the links below for additional signs to watch out for). In a similar vein, sick animals with cold, wet noses ought to visit the vet. You should see your veterinarian if you observe any unusual nasal discharge, as it may indicate a medical issue. An upper respiratory infection may be indicated by thick mucus or crustiness around the nostrils, while normal nasal secretions should be thin and clear.
Dogs’ noses release a thin mucus layer that aids in the absorption of smell compounds. The smell and taste receptors (olfactory glands) on the roof of their mouths are exposed to the dissolved scents when they lick their noses. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and one reason for this is that they have cold, wet noses.
In cats and dogs, a cold, wet nose is merely one indicator of wellness; it shouldn’t be taken as a stand-alone sign of general health. Occasionally, a healthy pet will have a warm, dry nose. Maybe they don’t produce as much mucus or lick their noses as much. However, a sick pet may exhibit a cold, runny nose.
3. Spy into your cat’s eyes
Look for bright, clear evenly focused eyes. If your cat exhibits any of the following symptoms: redness, discharge, discoloration, squinting, or the appearance of the third eyelid, you may need to contact your veterinarian.
Do this easy cat health exam
Feel for any lumps, scratches, scabs, swelling, or other irregularities when you are petting your cat. Oily or missing fur and dandruff can be signs of internal or skin issues. Divide the hair to check for fleas; black pepper-like particles are actually “flea dirt,” or flea excrement that contains your cat’s blood and becomes red when damp. Watch for any lumps, particularly if they develop following a vaccination.
FAQ
What does it mean if your cat’s nose is cold?
Should a cat’s nose be wet or dry?