Why Are Cats’ Noses Wet?
Should cats’ noses be wet or dry? Why are cats’ noses wet? Sometimes you notice the nose of your cat or kitten is moist. But whether the wet cat’s nose is normal? If this question bothers you, keep reading this article to learn more.
Are Wet Cats’ Noses Normal?
You can see that some cats naturally have wetter noses than others, and the temperatures and levels of humidity of most cats change during the day. One of the greatest ways for kitties’ parents to decide whether or not to worry about this is to know what your cats’ “state of the nose” is.
Why are cats’ noses wet?
The rhinarium (the skin that surrounds the nasal openings) contains sweat glands that produce moisture. The internal tear duct also drains, contributing to a wet nose. Like humans, cats also sweat to control their body temperature.
Cats like licking, they often lick their owners and over their bodies.That the noses of cats are usually moist is also stemmed from this reason, they often lick their noses. Some believe that cats lick their noses to clean and remove debris that may impair their capacity to detect scents.
Others, however, believe cats lick their noses for the same reason dogs do: to increase the number of particles that help them to smell in Jacobson’s Organ (a scent organ over their mouths). The moisture of a cat’s nose aids him/ her in detecting odors and determining where they originate. This is also true for dogs. Moist nostrils have an advantage because scent particles adhere to wet surfaces more quickly than dry ones.
A moist cat nose might also be caused by something as simple as a water bowl. Kitty may unintentionally dip his nose into the bowl while heading for that sip, leaving him with a wet nose.
A wet cat nose vs a dry cat nose
Dry cat noses are just as frequent as wet cat noses, and they’re typically nothing to worry about. A dry nose may occur if a cat spends a significant amount of time in direct sunlight. This also happens to us people while we are tanning our skin! If a cat spends too much time near a non-solar heat source, such as a fireplace or a heating vent, a dry cat nose might develop.
Can a wet nose be a running nose?
A runny nose, unlike a wet cat nose, should be investigated by a veterinarian to rule out diseases such as upper respiratory infections (URIs). URIs can be caused by a number of bacterial and viral diseases, including feline herpesvirus and feline chlamydia bacteria.
The following are some of the most common URI symptoms:
- Extremely runny nose
- Sneezing and sniffling
- Red, wet eyes
Nasal discharge that is bubbly and colorful
A runny nose might also indicate an allergy, which could be caused by simple adjustments in diet, litter, or other environmental variables.
How can you tell if cats are ill or not by looking at their noses?
Checking a cat’s nose might help you find out if there are any potential issues. If your cat’s nose skin is peeling, it might be due to a dermatological issue. Consult with your veterinarian about it.
Another thing to check for while inspecting your cat’s nose is nasal discharge. The mucus in your cat’s nose should be clear if it runs. Consult your veterinarian if your cat is generating bubbling, thick, yellow, green, or even black mucus.
Not just worry about whether your cat’s nose is dry or wet to check their health condition. You also need to pay attention to the rest of his or her daily behavior. If she or he is losing energy, appearing sluggish, eating less, acting particularly thirsty, or displaying signs of digestive problems, consult your veterinarian.
Final word
Hopefully, this writing about “Why are cats’ noses wet?” can help you understand more about the normal condition of your cat.
While your cat’s nose should be moist and somewhat cool to the touch, a warm and dry nose does not always indicate that your cat is sick. Simply ensure that your cat is taken care of properly and receives enough fresh water and nutritious food. If you see additional indications of illness along with a change in your cat’s snout, you should consult your veterinarian.