When a person starts to mope, he can explain that he is not feeling well. With a cat, everything is different: it is possible to determine its condition only by some signs. The sooner the animal's condition is diagnosed, the higher the chance to help it. One of the indicators of the disease is a change in the condition of the cat's nose.
The structure of the cat's nose
A cat's nose is an incredibly accurate tool for exploring the world around you. In a simplified form, these are two nostrils separated by cartilage. They lead to the system of lattice "shells", where the cat, if necessary, is able to keep the smell of interest to her and filter out extraneous odors.
A cat's scent is 15 times sharper than a human, which is explained by the presence of a large number of receptors in it. But smell is not the only function of a cat's nose. The mucous membrane of the nasal passages warms the air inhaled by the animal and cleans it of germs and bacteria. And since the nose, the so-called mirror, is also very sensitive to temperature extremes, the cat uses it to determine the temperature of objects without even touching them.
What a healthy cat's nose looks like
In a healthy animal, the nose is slightly cool to the touch, moist, sometimes even slightly slippery, slightly shiny, without peeling and crusts.
However, after experiencing stress, active play or prolonged sleep, the nose can become hot. This is normal. But if its temperature does not change for several hours, and it remains dry and warm, it is necessary to measure the overall body temperature of the animal. And at the same time take a closer look at the cat in search of other symptoms of a possible disease.
But not only a change in the temperature and humidity of the mirror can indicate a disease. Its color is also important. A pale nose can be a sign of poisoning, severe hypothermia and any systemic disease. A bluish tinge to the nose can signal a lack of oxygen or heart disease.
A reddish tinge of mucous membranes can be a sign of infection, rhinitis, high blood pressure, allergies, or mechanical damage. A yellow nose mirror is a sure sign of kidney or liver disease.
If the cat belongs to the dark-colored breeds, then her nose mirror, as a rule, is dark. In this case, it is rather difficult to observe changes in the color of the nose. And therefore, the mucous membranes of the lips and eyelids are additionally examined.
Constant surveillance
For the timely detection of the disease, you need to periodically touch the cat's nose, checking its humidity and temperature. This is best done with the back of your hand. If the animal's nose is warm and dry throughout the day, it is necessary to urgently consult a veterinarian.
