Why Are Cats’ Noses Wet or Dry? Your Complete Guide to Your Cat’s Nose Health 

Your cat’s nose can tell you a lot about its overall health. As a cat parent, you should learn what the state of your cat’s nose can tell you about its well-being, as, unlike a child, your cat can’t tell you directly when they are feeling unwell. From being wet or dry to changing its colour, every change in your cat’s nose will reflect some change to its body or temperament. In this guide, I want to cover the main things to look out for and alert you to some cat nose changes that might indicate more serious underlying problems.

Why Do Cats Have Wet Noses?

Most cats’ noses are slightly wet most of the time. The moisture is a combination of nasal secretion and saliva that they rub on their noses when they are grooming.

Cat’s noses being slightly wet helps to enhance their sense of smell, which is helpful for navigating their environment and hunting. A damp nose also helps your cat regulate its body temperature by cooling it as the moisture evaporates. 

If your cat is healthy, it should have a slightly wet nose. However, factors like temperature, weather, and humidity can all have an effect on their nose’s moisture level throughout the day. 

Why Is My Cat’s Nose Dry?

While cats’ noses are usually wet, it doesn’t mean that if their noses are dry, there is an immediate need for concern. Cats’ noses can become dry for several reasons, many of them harmless. Sun exposure, lying near a heat source like a radiator, or simply being asleep for a long period can all lead to them having a dry nose. 

You should only be concerned if their nose consistently remains dry. If your cat’s nose is consistently dry, it can indicate dehydration, fever, or other health issues. 

If you notice that your cat’s nose has been consistently dry for a couple of days, consider the following: 

• Do they have any other symptoms like lethargy, rapid breathing, vomiting, or loss of appetite? If they do, you should take them to the vet immediately  

• Do they have access to fresh water? It can be difficult to get cats to drink water (one of mine only seems to drink it out of my teacup when I’m not looking and never out of his bowl!), but you should always have fresh water available for your cat to help them stay hydrated if they need it. You could also introduce more wet food to their diet if they primarily eat dry food like biscuits. 

• Is there any crust or discharge from their nose? If so, this could indicate an infection, and you should consult with your vet. 

What Is the Black Crust Around My Cat’s Nose?

It is not uncommon to see a small amount of black crust around your cat’s nostrils. In most cases, this is simply dried nasal discharge. Unlike humans, cats can’t blow their noses, so they find it harder to clear their noses of discharge. 

You can usually remove the discharge by gently picking at it with your fingernail or using a damp cloth to remove it. It should come away easily in one piece. While this isn’t the most pleasant thing to do, it will allow your cat to breathe a little easier. Just make sure you wash your hands afterwards! 

If you notice that they constantly have a black crust and that it is building up quickly, this could be a sign of a fungal or bacterial infection, and you should consult your vet. 

Why Is My Cat’s Nose Pale?

The area of your cat’s nose without fur is called the rhinarium. Its colour can vary depending on your cat’s colouring and markings. For example, if your cat is completely black, then you will probably not be able to observe any changes in color. However, many cats have a light to dark pink-colored rhinarium. 

If you notice that your cat’s nose colour has changed from a healthy pink to a pale pink, this can be indicative of health problems like poor blood circulation, anaemia, or, in very serious cases, blood loss. 

If you notice that your cat’s nose has turned pale, look for other symptoms such as: 

• Weakness or lethargy 
• Rapid breathing 
• Weight loss 
• Loss of appetite. 

If you observe any of these symptoms, you should seek veterinary attention immediately.

What Does a Cat’s White Nose Mean?

A totally white nose is very unusual for a cat. It can indicate a lack of sufficient blood flow to the head (possibly caused by an internal injury), anaemia, circulatory problems, shock, or a sudden drop in temperature. If your cat’s nose has gone white, you should 

• Try to keep your cat calm and warm. 
• Checking for any other symptoms. 
• Contacting a veterinarian immediately. 

Cat Nose Color Chart

As you can probably tell by now, your cat’s nose colour can tell you a lot about its health and temperament. But I wouldn’t blame you if you couldn’t keep all of this information in your head. That’s why I’ve made a handy chart for you to refer to. 
  

Cat Nose Color	Possible Significance
Pink	Normal and healthy
Pale	Potential anemia or poor circulation
White	Shock or severe anaemia
Blue	Lack of oxygen
Black	Normal for some breeds or indicates crust buildup if the nose is normally pink

Final Thoughts: Understanding Your Cat’s Nasal Health

Despite being smaller than a postage stamp, your cat’s nose is a significant indicator of their overall health and one of the few ways that you as an owner can gauge their well-being. Always ensure that your cat is properly hydrated and be mindful of any changes in their nose colour or moisture, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms. If you notice a change in their nose colour, you might be able to catch a health problem early before it becomes serious. 

FAQs

1. What does it mean if my cat’s nose is dry?
A dry nose in cats can be due to harmless factors like sun exposure, lying near a heat source, or sleeping for an extended period. However, if your cat’s nose is consistently dry for more than a day or two and is accompanied by symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite, it could indicate dehydration, fever, or other health issues. In such cases, it’s best to consult your vet.

2. Why does my cat have a black crust around their nose?
A small amount of black crust around your cat’s nostrils is usually just dried nasal discharge, which can be gently cleaned off with a damp cloth. However, if the black crust builds up rapidly or persists, it may indicate a bacterial or fungal infection and a visit to the vet is recommended.

3. What does it mean if my cat’s nose has turned pale or white?
A pale or white nose can be a sign of anaemia, poor blood circulation, or even shock. If your cat’s nose changes colour and they display other symptoms like weakness, rapid breathing, or loss of appetite, seek veterinary attention immediately.

4. Why is my cat’s nose turning blue?
A blue nose in cats indicates a lack of oxygen, which could be due to respiratory issues or circulatory problems. If you notice your cat’s nose turning blue, keep them calm and seek emergency veterinary care immediately, as this could be a serious health issue.