Is Your Cat's Dry Nose A Concern?

A dry cat nose is a common concern for pet owners, but it's important to remember that a cat's nose can be naturally dry or wet, and this can change throughout the day. While a wet nose is often associated with good health, a dry nose does not always indicate illness. However, if you notice other symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or nasal discharge, it is best to consult a veterinarian. Environmental factors such as warm surroundings or low humidity can cause a dry nose, but certain medical conditions, including allergies, dehydration, and rhinitis, may also be the culprit. In some cases, a dry nose could indicate a more serious issue, such as hyperkeratosis, an infection, or even sunburn. Therefore, it is always recommended to monitor your cat's overall health and behaviour and seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns.

Warm surroundings

A cat's nose can get dry due to warm surroundings. This is usually nothing to worry about, but if you want to prevent it from happening, there are a few things you can do to keep your cat's surroundings cool and comfortable.

Firstly, avoid letting your cat sit too close to heat sources such as fires or vents. If your cat enjoys sitting in front of the fire, consider blocking off that area or only lighting a fire when your cat is elsewhere. You could also try to encourage your cat to sit further away by providing comfortable beds or blankets in cooler areas of the room.

If your cat enjoys sitting on radiators or other warm spots, you could try providing alternatives that won't get too warm. For example, you could create a cosy cat cave by draping a thick blanket over a piece of furniture, such as a couch or armchair. You can also add rugs or insulated cardboard boxes for extra warmth. If your cat likes enclosed spaces, you could buy or make a cat tent or "cat cave" and add some woollen blankets or heating pads inside. Just be sure to supervise your cat if using electric heating pads, as these can pose a safety risk.

If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, make sure they have access to a warm, dry shelter. You should also check garages, sheds and outbuildings before locking up, in case your cat has taken refuge inside. In extreme cold, try to keep your cat indoors as much as possible, especially at night.

Licking their nose

Cats are fastidious self-groomers, and they spend a lot of their awake time—from 30% to 50% of their day—grooming themselves. Their barbed tongues are effective at capturing dust, dirt, and debris from their coats, but they can irritate the soft skin on their noses if they over-lick that area.

If a cat gets food or something sticky on their nose, they will invariably try to lick it off, and this licking can dry out their nose. However, if your cat's nose is dry but there are no other symptoms, this is usually nothing to worry about.

Saliva will dry out a cat's nose, and licking can remove any natural moisture that might be present. A small amount of nose licking is normal, but if your cat is licking their nose a lot, it might be a sign that they are feeling anxious or that their nose is running.

If your cat is licking their nose excessively, you could try buying them a pet fountain. Research has shown that cats prefer to drink from moving water sources. They are also more likely to drink from larger water sources where their whiskers do not touch the edges.

Cats descended from the African wildcat, a warm-climate cat that got most of its water from its food. They have a few leftover adaptations that allow them to function when moderately dehydrated. However, this is in no way healthy or recommended for your cat, as cats should be well-hydrated and have access to clean drinking water at all times.

Dehydration

A dehydrated cat may display lethargy, loss of appetite, lack of enthusiasm, and general malaise. If your cat is dehydrated, it will likely have other symptoms first, such as sunken eyes. Dehydration and fever in cats often go hand-in-hand, so if you are concerned, contact your veterinarian straight away.

You can encourage your cat to drink more water by moving its water bowl away from its food, ensuring the bowl is shallow and wide enough for them to drink without brushing their whiskers, and providing a running water source.

If you think your cat might be dehydrated, you can check its hydration by making a fold with the skin on their back and checking that it smooths out quickly. If the skin does not return to its place or takes too long to do so, this is a symptom of dehydration and is an emergency.

Nose-specific health conditions

While a dry cat nose is usually nothing to worry about, certain nose-specific health conditions can cause dryness. These issues can be influenced by breed, genetics, and physical features. For instance, Bengal cats are predisposed to nose inflammation (ulcerative nasal dermatitis), which can cause dryness and painful sores. Similarly, Persian cats, a brachycephalic breed with short muzzles, can develop dryness on their noses and faces due to skin folds.

In addition, some cats may experience ulcerative or dry skin conditions, or even fungal infections like ringworm, which can lead to nasal dryness. Autoimmune diseases, such as the Pemphigus complex, can cause crusty, dry patches of red skin on cats' noses, ears, and faces. This condition often starts with patches of red skin on the cat's face before spreading to other areas.

If you notice any unusual symptoms or signs of illness in your cat, it is always best to consult a veterinarian for professional advice and treatment options. They can help identify and address any underlying health issues that may be causing your cat's dry nose.

Dry eye

Symptoms of Dry Eye in Cats

Cats with dry eye may experience the following symptoms:

• Pain and discomfort, causing squinting
• Discharge from the eyes, usually cloudy white, yellow, or green
• Redness of the outer layer of the eye due to inflammation of the blood vessels
• Swelling of the conjunctiva (the tissue that lines the surface of the eye and the inner eyelids)
• Elevation of the third eyelid
• Scarring or cloudiness of the cornea
• A dull appearance to the eyes
• Impaired vision or blindness (in severe cases where scarring is extensive)
• Reluctance to open the affected eye(s)
• A thick, sticky grey/green discharge on the surface of the eye and in the corner
• A dull, rough appearance to the cornea
• Spidery red blood vessels on the surface of the eye
• Dark pigment on the surface of the eye, possibly reducing vision

Causes of Dry Eye in Cats

• Viral infections, such as the feline herpes virus
• Immune diseases that damage the tear-producing glands
• Bacterial infections, such as chlamydia
• Anesthesia, which may temporarily reduce tear function
• Disorders of the central nervous system caused by head trauma, brain tumours, or inner ear disease (rare in cats)
• Surgeries where the third eyelid is removed or damaged
• Direct radiation beam hitting the eye during radiographs or radiation therapy
• Certain medications, such as sulphonamide antibiotics, which may cause temporary or permanent dry eye
• Dehydration

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dry Eye in Cats

Vets diagnose dry eye based on the history of sticky discharge and inflamed eyes, as well as through specific tests such as the Schirmer Tear Test (STT). Treatment options include lubricants or tear replacements, immunosuppressive drops, nerve stimulants, and, in severe cases, parotid duct transposition surgery.

Frequently asked questions