Should I Be Worried if My Cat's Nose is Dry?

Britt
by Britt
Photo credit: xtine_surya / Shutterstock.com

We often refer to our cat’s noses as adorable and irresistible, but have you ever stopped to consider what else they can tell us? Those cute “boopable” snouts are complex organs with many vital functions, including breathing, smelling, and regulating body temperature. They can also serve as a barometer of their overall health, warning us when something’s wrong.


A persistently dry nose can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem. Understanding the potential causes and when to seek veterinary help is crucial for ensuring your cat is happy and healthy.


This guide will explore the common reasons for a dry nose in cats and how to determine if it’s a cause for concern (as not all dry noses are). We’ll also discuss additional factors related to your cat’s nasal health and how to keep your feline friend feeling their best.


Why Are Cat Noses Wet?


Whether you’re a first-time cat parent or have had cats for years, you’re likely familiar with the wetness that most cats have on their noses. But why exactly are their noses wet?


When you touch a healthy cat’s nose, they often feel slightly wet and cool. This wetness could result from several factors, including sweat, licking their noses, drinking water, drainage from their tear ducts, or outside environmental factors (like rain and snow).


Their noses are obviously used to breathe and smell things, just like humans. However, there is one significant difference: A wet nose can help keep your cat cool on a hot day. Our kitties don’t sweat all over like we do. Instead, they sweat solely through their noses and paw pads.


Luckily for your cat, that wet nose can improve their sense of smell. When scent particles come in contact with the damp surface of their nose, they stick. This allows your cat to get an even better whiff of whatever smell they have encountered.


Causes of Dry Nose in Cats


Your cat’s nose may be a little dry or even cracked for several reasons, ranging from everyday experiences to potentially life-threatening health complications. To identify whether your cat’s dry nose is an issue, you’ll need to watch for other symptoms of trouble. Here are a few of the most common causes of dry nose in cats and what to look out for:


It’s Your Cat’s “Normal”


I will list a wide variety of reasons to consider here, but first, let’s get this one out of the way. Some cats will have a dryer nose naturally, even when they are completely healthy. You know your cat best. If you have kept up with your cat’s annual vet visits, been given the all-clear, and your cat still has a dry nose, it may be the way it is.


Dry Air Conditions


One of the most common causes of a dry nose is the air conditions in your home. Whether you are running the central heating system excessively during the cold of winter or relying heavily on the air conditioning unit during the summer, you can unintentionally create dry air conditions in the home.


While dry air doesn’t require an emergency vet visit, it is something that you should address. Dry air can cause many problems for both you and your cat, including dry skin and respiratory issues. One of the easiest ways to correct the problem is to purchase a warm or cool mist air humidifier.


Close Proximity to a Heat Source


Do you have a cat who enjoys sleeping on the air vents or in front of your fireplace? Your cat’s dry nose may simply be the result of the moisture drying up while basking in the heat. Given a bit of time, the moisture will return on its own. If you suspect this is the case, keep an eye on your cat to ensure everything returns to normal and no other underlying causes are at play.


Dehydration


Cats are notoriously bad for not drinking enough water, resulting in many living in various states of dehydration. If your cat isn’t taking in as much water as they need, they may not have the moisture to sweat as much, resulting in a dry nose. Unaddressed, this could lead to severe consequences, including organ failure, heat stroke, cardiac problems, or neurological damage.


Additional signs of dehydration to watch out for include:

  • Sticky, pale gums
  • Sunken eyes
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dark colored urine  
  • Constipation
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness or collapse


There are many potential causes of dehydration, including health conditions that require veterinary treatment. Call your vet and share your concerns. To prevent dehydration, consider feeding canned food or a mix of canned food and kibble to include more fluids in their diet. Try different water bowls, water bowl locations, or water fountains to find your cat's preferred arrangement.


Our cats use the Catit Flower Fountain, which has significantly increased their water intake!


Sunburned Nose


Think back to the last time you suffered a sunburn. You can probably recall how dry the damaged skin felt. We often overlook the risks of the sun’s UV rays because our cats are protected by their fur. However, some body parts are still left exposed – including the nose. Other signs your cat has suffered a sunburn include swelling, redness, irritation, or skin flaking.  


Even if your cat doesn’t enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, they may still be exposed to sun damage while basking in the hat indoors. You can reduce the risk of sunburn by closing the blinds to keep the sun out, installing a UV protective window film, or using a pet-friendly sunscreen on your cat’s nose.

Photo credit: Svetlana Rey / Shutterstock.com

Respiratory Problems


We usually associate respiratory problems with runny noses and increased moisture, but conditions like these could also lead to a dry nose. As your cat licks at their nose, trying to soothe any irritation and discomfort, they may remove the moisture that usually would be there. It’s like the irritation that occurs when you blow your nose too many times.


If your cat’s dry nose is the result of respiratory issues like the cat flu, allergies, or a growth in the nasal passages, you may also notice sneezing, dry/cracked skin, loss of appetite, discharge around the eyes, or digestive problems (vomiting or diarrhea).


A vet’s appointment is needed to identify the issue and the best source of treatment. As some of these conditions can cause severe or life-threatening complications if left unaddressed, it is recommended that you seek veterinary help as soon as possible after recognizing there is a problem.


Scratches or Injuries


Another cause of irritation in or around the nose that could lead to it drying out is trauma – like scratches or wounds. This may be an obvious cause if you can identify the wound visibly. Unfortunately, trauma to the nose is often hidden inside the nose where we can’t see it.


Signs of pain or discomfort caused by an injury to the nose include:

  • Presence of blood
  • Sneezing
  • Pawing at the face
  • Rubbing their face against the floor or other objects
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty breathing, breathing through the nose
  • Facial swelling


While it could potentially heal on its own, any injury to the face should be treated with extra care. Complications like an infection could significantly impact your cat’s overall quality of life or even create a life-threatening situation.

If you suspect your cat has suffered an injury in or around their nose, contact your veterinarian. In the event your cat is the victim of a significant injury or there is bleeding you are struggling to control, this may also warrant a trip to your nearest emergency clinic. The sooner your cat receives the medical care they need, the better. 


Skin Diseases or Conditions


Your cat’s nose, at its root, is just skin. This means it is at risk of suffering from many of the more common skin-related problems cats can experience. In most cases, skin issues on the nose are only the tip of the iceberg. Upon closer examination, you will likely discover that there are skin problems covering a larger part of your cat’s body.


Signs of skin disease or irritation include:


If you notice any of these signs of trouble, a trip to the vet is in order. Skin conditions can result from allergies, bacterial or fungal infections, or underlying health concerns and diseases. For example, Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune disease that often causes lesions around the face, including the nose.


Your veterinarian will run tests to identify the problem. Depending on the root cause, treatment could involve oral medications, topical treatments, medicated shampoos, or prescription diets. It may take trying a couple of these options before finding a solution that works, especially in an ongoing situation like allergies. However, when you find the most effective option for treatment or management, it will be worth all the effort!


Cancer

It’s the one explanation no cat owner wants to hear, but we must address the elephant in the room. Your cat’s dry nose could be a warning sign of several types of cancer, including sarcomas, carcinomas, or lymphoma. In many cases, a cancer diagnosis starts with a process of elimination.


Warning signs of cancer in cats include:

  • Unusual lumps or bumps around the snout
  • Skin irritation
  • Sores that don’t heal
  • Unexplained bleeding or discharge
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Coughing
  • Unpleasant odor from the mouth or facial area
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss


Anytime you suspect a severe disease or illness like cancer, it warrants a visit to the vet. The process of diagnosing cancer can be lengthy as your vet works through all the potential causes of the symptoms.


One way you can help with this process is to keep a journal, recording any changes you witness, when/how often they occur, and what your cat was doing (or trying to do) when it happened. Include every change, regardless of how big or small – something you see as no big deal could be the missing piece to help your vet solve the problem.

When is a Wet Nose a Sign of Trouble?


A wet nose is generally a sign of a healthy cat, but there are times that the moisture is telling you a different story. If you notice an increase in moisture, runny nose/discharge, and/or sneezing, your cat may be suffering from a health problem like upper respiratory infection or allergies. It could also be a sign that a foreign object is stuck in their nose that needs to be removed. All of these situations warrant a trip to the vet.


When Should I See a Vet?


While a dry nose can sometimes be a regular occurrence, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact your vet if you have concerns about your cat’s health and well-being. Early detection and treatment can make all the difference in managing underlying health issues. Unless you can identify the cause and know it’s of no concern, getting it checked out is your best bet.

Final Thoughts: Cat Noses and Their Health


Remember, a dry nose isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you can’t identify an obvious cause (like lying next to the fireplace), the dryness doesn’t rectify itself, or you notice signs of trouble, like lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, skin irritation, or noticeable damage to the area, a visit to your vet is recommended. After all, early detection and treatment could make all the difference if there is an underlying health condition to address.


With a little observation and proper veterinary care (when needed), you can ensure your cat continues to sport a healthy, boopable nose for years to come.


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Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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