If you get up close and personal with your cat, you will notice their nose is often cold and wet.
Is this normal? Absolutely!
But why do cats have wet noses?
Read on to learn what causes cats to have wet (or dry) noses and whether you should be concerned.
Table of Contents
- Why Do Cats Have Wet Noses?
- How A Wet Nose Helps A Cat’s Sense Of Smell
- My Cat Doesn’t Have a Wet Nose – Is My Cat Sick?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Cats Have Wet Noses?
Cats can have wet noses for several reasons, depending on health or environmental factors.
Environment
The wetness of your cat’s nose is largely affected by the air temperature and humidity.
A damp nose indicates that your cat is exhaling water particles from the air around them.
Cold, dry air sucks moisture from the nose and dries out the nasal planum, creating a dry and cracked nose.
A drier nose may result from lying in the sun or near a heater, which wicks away moisture.
Drinking
Cats’ noses sometimes get wet due to their efforts to stay hydrated.
While this type of wet nose is usually short-lived and will dry out quickly, your cat may lick at their snout to remove the water, keeping it wet for longer.
Grooming
Your cat has a wet nose may be due to them licking it a lot. While grooming, their noses follow the trail of their tongues, gathering the water that has been spread along their fur. It can be as simple as licking their snout after a yawn or a tasty meal, leaving it wet with saliva.
Sweating
Cats don’t sweat much from anywhere except their paws, so keeping their nose wet can help them stay cool in hot weather.
When the moisture evaporates from their snout, their bodies will not overheat!
Tears
When a cat’s eyes water, the overflow fluid is drained from the eyelids and goes to the nose through the nasolacrimal duct.
If your cat excessively produces tears, such as with eye irritation from allergies or an illness, the moisture will run down and cause a wet nose.
How A Wet Nose Helps A Cat’s Sense Of Smell
Like many mammals, cats have a hairless area around their nostrils called the rhinarium. The surface of this area is usually moist.
The rhinarium is associated with a cat’s sense of smell (olfactory system) and is sensitive to pheromones. An extra groove down the middle gives them a very impressive sense of smell.
Domestic cats’ sense of smell is 9-16 times more sensitive than humans. This is because cats have a much larger olfactory epithelium than humans and have such a sharp smell. Cats’ noses have about 45 to 200 million scent receptors, whereas humans have just 5 million.
You have probably seen your cat hang its mouth open after smelling something. The vomeronasal organ (Jacobson’s organ) is a scent organ on the roof of the cat’s mouth. When the cat wrinkles its nose, lowers its head, and lets its tongue hang out, it opens the vomeronasal organ. This improves the cats’ sensitivity to smells.
My Cat Doesn’t Have a Wet Nose – Is My Cat Sick?
A dry nose on its own should not be a cause for concern. Your cat could have a dry nose for several different reasons:
- Natural variation – some cats naturally have dryer noses than other
- Being in a cold or dry room – evaporation can dry out their nose faster
- Laying in the sun – some cats love to lie in the heat, which will dry out their nose
Has your cat’s nose suddenly become dryer than usual, or have you noticed a change from its normal state? If so, be aware of other symptoms of illness, such as increased appetite or thirst, vomiting and lethargy.
If you notice these symptoms or anything else unusual with your cat’s behaviour, you should seek advice from a vet.
Final Thoughts
Next time you touch your cat’s wet nose you will know that it’s nothing to be concerned about and means they are healthy.
A cat’s sense of smell is enhanced by adding moisture to their nose and helping regulate their body temperature on hot days.
A cat’s nose moisture level may vary throughout the day, so if your finger meets a dry nose, don’t panic.
Learning your cat’s typical behaviour will help you determine if a very wet or dry nose is cause for concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are cats’ noses dry?
Cats’ noses can be dry or slightly moist depending on factors like humidity, hydration, and activity level. A dry nose isn’t automatically a sign of illness; it could simply mean that the cat has been lying in a sunny spot or hasn’t had a drink recently. However, a persistently dry nose, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, could be a reason for concern and warrant a vet visit.
Why are cats’ noses cold?
A cat’s nose is often cooler than its body because it is less covered by fur and is more exposed to the air. The moisture on a cat’s nose can also make it feel cool due to evaporation. The temperature of a cat’s nose can vary depending on the environment, so a warm nose doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem, nor does a cold nose guarantee that a cat is healthy.
Why do cats lick their noses?
Cats lick their noses for several reasons:
- Hygiene: Cats are meticulous groomers, and licking their nose helps to keep it clean.
- Moisture: Licking helps maintain a level of moisture on the nose.
- Sensory Analysis: Cats have a specialized organ called the Jacobson’s organ, located on the roof of their mouths, that helps analyze scents. Licking their nose may help to transfer scent molecules to this organ for a more detailed analysis.
What does it mean if your cat’s nose is dry?
A dry nose on its own is generally not a cause for alarm. It could be due to the cat’s environment, the time of day, or recent activity. However, if a dry nose is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or any other signs of illness, it may be best to consult a veterinarian for an evaluation.
Why do cats touch your face with their nose?
Cats may nuzzle or touch your face with their nose for several reasons:
- Affection: A nose-to-face touch can be a sign of trust and affection.
- Scent-marking: Cats have scent glands on their faces and may mark you to claim you as “theirs.”
- Exploration: Cats use their senses to explore their environment, including sniffing and gently touching people they are interested in.
- Seeking Attention: Sometimes, a nose touch is a way for your cat to get your attention for petting or feeding.
Why is my kitten’s nose so wet?
A moist nose is generally a good sign indicating a kitten is well-hydrated. The moisture level of a cat’s nose can change due to several factors, like humidity, activity, and overall health. If a kitten’s nose is excessively wet and is accompanied by symptoms like sneezing or nasal discharge, it may be a sign of an upper respiratory infection, and you should consult a veterinarian.