A wet nose is a sign of a cat's well-being and health, and if it suddenly gets dry and hot, owners start to worry. This kind of attentiveness and sensitivity is very commendable, but sometimes there is no good reason for this.
No cause for concern
The cat's nose is moistened by the secretion secreted by the mucous membrane, in addition, the cat itself licks it.
However, if you notice that the cat has a dry nose, do not rush to worry - this happens after active play or severe stress, if the pet is asleep or has just woken up, if it is in a poorly ventilated room or just lies next to a battery. Dry noses are also common in cats that lead a sedentary lifestyle. During the day, a cat's nose can change its state from dry to wet and back several times - and this is quite normal.
In addition, it should be borne in mind that the normal temperature in cats is 2 ° C higher than in humans, so the cat's nose often feels hot to the touch.
However, it is worth taking a closer look at the cat and checking its nose often. And if you notice that it stays dry for too long, and the cat itself, usually mobile and playful, has become lethargic, lethargic and has lost its appetite, it's time to take action. First of all, measure the temperature in the traditional way while still at home, because in the veterinary clinic the pet will get nervous and his temperature will "jump" because of this. Reddened ears, which also seem hot to the touch, can also "report" a rise in temperature in a cat.
Warning signs
The reason for a dry nose in a sick cat can be hiding in an elevated temperature, as well as in dehydration of the body, due to which the secret is not produced in sufficient quantities.
Cracks, crusts or sores on the cat's nose are a cause for alarm - this is a sign of a skin disorder. In this case, the pet definitely needs to be taken to the veterinarian.
It's not just dryness that a cat's nose can signal ill health. If there is nasal discharge, it should be clear. But yellow, green, if even black discharge, foaming or dense, suggests that the cat needs to be taken to the doctor for examination.
A too cold nose is also an unkind sign; it can speak of hypothermia, poisoning or shock.
However, it is noteworthy that in some cat breeds, the shade of the nose changes depending on the season, and the pigmentation on the nose does not speak of diseases, but of old age. Owners should learn about these subtleties from specialists so as not to worry unnecessarily.
So the temperature of the nose is a relative phenomenon and not a very reliable indicator. It is better to assess the cat's well-being by its behavior as a whole, in case of alarming "bells" measure the temperature yourself and, if necessary, take the pet to a specialist. And, of course, make sure that the cat's nose is clean, not clogged with dirt or secretions.
