The nose is one of the most important sense organs for cats. Their sense of smell (like that of most animals) is tens of times more sensitive than that of humans. This makes it possible to identify and separate odors into their component elements, thus orienting themselves in space. Having identified this or that object, cats make a decision - to perceive it as dangerous, suspicious, tasty, and so on.
Normally, a cat's nose should be moist and cool. Depending on the emotional state, climatic conditions and other external factors, the animal may experience slight dryness. For example, when the cat is sleeping or dozing, and also within 30-60 minutes after waking up.
During active games, especially if the apartment/house is too stuffy, the surface of the mucous membrane dries out, which also does not give cause for panic. The effect of dry nose is often present in cats under stress or poor diet (hunger, overeating). If the animal does not behave as usual, and the abnormal condition of the nasal lobe is observed for a long period (several hours/the whole day), then a veterinarian’s consultation is necessary.
general information
A cat's nose consists of two nasal canals separated by cartilage. The drawn air enters the nasal chambers, from which it enters the winding channels. In these channels, the smell is purified from foreign impurities, which allows the cat to recognize the nature of the smell.
cat nose
Special cells associated with the olfactory region of the brain are responsible for recognizing odors. The nasal sinuses perform not only the function of smell, but also thermoregulatory and filtering. The air drawn in has time to heat up to the required temperature and be cleaned of the smallest molecules of dust and bacteria.
The area accessible to human touch that is mistaken for the animal's nose is actually the skin around the nostrils and is called the lobe. It is by this that the owner judges the health status of the pet. A healthy cat's nose should be moist, cool and rough. But not noticeably wet and cold.
Why is my nose cool?
One of the main functions of the nasal lobe is the animal's thermoregulation. The lack of sweat glands in a cat's body means that cooling of the body in hot conditions occurs through the nasal cavity and open mouth, so the nose is cool.
Thermoregulation through the nose and open mouth
Deviation from the norm indicates possible pathological processes in the cat’s body, for example, a warm nose lobe indicates an increase in body temperature and a possible fight of the immune system against viruses or bacteria.
Why does a cat have a wet nose?
A moistened surface makes it easier for a cat to catch and recognize odors around; other animals, such as dogs, also have a similar feature.
Wet nose close up
Constant moisture of the nose and its color as an indicator of health
Stable moisture indicates good health of the pet. Based on the color of the organ, the condition of the patient is judged as follows:
- A smooth, cool, moist pink nose on a healthy cat.
- White indicates problems with the circulatory system.
- A red tint with pronounced signs of inflammation and excess mucus indicates rhinitis.
- Blueness of a wet or dry organ is the first sign of heart disease or lack of oxygen.
- Strong yellowness in humidity indicates problems with the liver and kidneys.
Symptoms of the disease
A very wet nose in a cat is most often a symptom of colds or acute respiratory diseases. Symptoms that usually accompany a cold are increased body temperature, decreased appetite or complete refusal to eat, and low physical activity. At the same time, the coat loses its well-groomed shine, redness of the mucous membranes and tearing are possible.
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A pet with a cold becomes capricious, like a child, and less often aggressive. He sneezes, coughs and rubs his nose with his paws, constantly trying to warm up by the radiator, under a blanket or in the arms of his owner. Colds are rare among cats, as their bodies easily cope with such pathogens.
The following can undermine a cat’s immune defense:
- high humidity and drafts in the room;
- constant deficiency of beneficial microelements due to an unbalanced diet;
- hypothermia due to walking in rainy weather;
- Wool that is not completely dry after washing.
A pet with a cold needs to be given rest and plenty of fluids. For example, warm milk, low-fat broth and water work well. It is recommended to alleviate the symptoms: blot your eyes with a cotton pad soaked in boiled water and remove nasal discharge.
Important! If the cat does not cope with the disease within 24 hours, it is necessary to seek advice from a veterinary clinic, where treatment will be prescribed (in especially advanced cases, antibiotics).
A very cold nose in a cat may be a sign of an illness occurring in the body, but there must also be some other symptoms, for example, vomiting, diarrhea, a lethargic and apathetic state, decreased or lack of appetite.
Signs that your cat is sick:
- A raw nose due to heavy discharge and hot ears are symptoms of an ongoing infection (rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, etc.)
- Copious nasal discharge with traces of blood or pus is most often the result of a foreign body entering the nasal canal.
- Excessive nasal discharge and tearing are symptoms of a cat’s allergic reaction to recently introduced foods, household chemicals, medications, pollen, dust, tobacco smoke, etc.
- A cat's wet and cold nose, accompanied by a drop in body temperature, may be a sign of hypothermia or toxic poisoning.
Colds in cats
- A cat's wet nose, wheezing when inhaling air, or breathing through the mouth indicate the presence of polyp growths or damage to the mucous membrane inside the organ.
- A cold and pale nose can be a symptom of anemia or other blood problems, a bluish tint to the skin of the nose indicates cardiovascular insufficiency, and a yellowish color indicates liver or kidney problems.
- A cold, dry nose with possible hair loss and decreased physical activity is a consequence of weakened immunity, which is caused by an unbalanced diet. Eating only dry food over time causes dehydration and malfunction of internal organs. Cats are hunters by nature and require meat in their diet.
Cat nasal discharge
Note! If you notice that your cat is leaking suspicious fluid from his nose, is having difficulty breathing, is sniffling or wheezing, consult a veterinarian who will make a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.
Norm or pathology
The sense of smell in cats is the main sense organ.
An animal that has difficulty smelling becomes lethargic, has poor spatial orientation, and loses its appetite. If the olfactory organ is moist and cool, this means that the pet is healthy .
Due to the emotional state, physical activity, and climatic conditions, indicators can change over time, but this is not always a sign of pathology.
Minor dryness goes away on its own or after favorable conditions are created.
Important. Even overeating or eating a small portion of food can affect humidity.
Pets on dry food are more likely to have health problems. To improve their condition, they need plenty of fluids; if there is no desire, the animal can be fed from a syringe without a needle.
If deviations in the cat’s behavior, lethargy and apathy are noticed, then he should be monitored for 2 days. During this period, in the absence of diseases, the moisture in the nose is restored.
Many people believe that sick cats' noses become dry and hot. This is not entirely true. Sometimes an animal is diagnosed with a wet nose, but other signs indicate the presence of pathology. In this case, consultation with a veterinarian is required.
Nasal care
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A healthy adult cat can handle hygiene, including its nose, on its own. An increase in ambient temperature makes the cat want to lick itself more often and drink more to moisten its nose. When small debris or dust gets in, some cats try to clean their nose by wiping it on grass or leaves.
Representatives of flat-faced breeds, such as Persians, need help with nasal hygiene. As a result of selection, changes occurred in the anatomical proportions of the skull, which caused a disruption of the cartilaginous septum inside the organ. That is why in such cats a crust grows on top or nearby or excessive moisture appears.
Help with nasal hygiene for Persians
You can remove dirt and remaining snot by gently moving a cotton swab or disk soaked in cooled boiled water. After cleansing, excess moisture is removed from the earlobe with a gentle, gentle movement; this will help avoid the occurrence of rhinitis when staying in cool rooms. A small kitten may also require similar care if it is separated early from its mother, who has not yet taught it how to care for itself.
Removing nasal discharge with a damp cotton pad
The use of alcohol-based or scented wet wipes to wipe away nasal secretions is strictly prohibited, as they can cause dry mucous membranes or an allergic reaction. If damage is detected on the surface of the nose (scratches, cracks, abrasions), it is prohibited to treat them with iodine or brilliant green. Concentrated alcohol in such products increases the likelihood of getting a burn, which results in swelling and difficulty breathing for the cat.
Important! When clearing your cat's nasal lobe of dirt or secretions due to congestion, do not get inside the nasal canals. Only the visible part needs to be processed.
A cat's wet nose is not always a guarantee of its health. Noticing symptoms in a timely manner and contacting a specialist will help avoid the development of chronic diseases.
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Excessive humidity
Allocations must be standardized. Any decrease or increase in them should alert the owners . Snorting and difficult breathing against a background of humidity may indicate the presence of polyps or damage to the inner surface of the nasal passages.
An excessively cold and wet organ is a sign of hypothermia or poisoning. A cold is suspected when there is a rise in temperature, sneezing, or excessive discharge.
High humidity is normal for Persians and other breeds with flattened faces.
Reasons for deviations
Deviations may occur in the direction of dryness or increased humidity of the nose, both of which can be warning signs of complications.
Excessive nasal dryness may indicate:
- lack of fluid in the body;
- respiratory tract infections;
- diseases of internal organs and inflammation;
- together with elevated ear temperature can cause ear mites.
Excessive fluid discharge may be a consequence of such common diseases;
- inflammation of the gums and teeth;
- chronic rhinusitis;
- the formation of polyps on the mucous membrane, usually with characteristic difficulty breathing;
- hypothermia of the body;
- allergic reactions;
- chemical poisoning.
Strong odors that are not so noticeable to humans, such as ammonia, cigarette smoke, and disinfectants, can irritate the mucous membrane, causing excessive moisture release.
Why does a dog need a nose?
The front part of the nostril is responsible for inhaling air, while the task of these slits on the sides is to remove air during exhalation. As air flows out of the side slots, it creates vortexes that help with the selection of new odors by creating a flow of air over them.
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