Why is My Cat’s Nose Dry?

Have you noticed that your cat’s nose is dry, or is your cat’s nose warm and dry? If you’re used to feeling a wet nose when your cat nuzzles their face into you, a suddenly dry nose can seem alarming. There are several potential reasons you should know why your cat's nose may be dry.

Our experts unpack why cats’ noses get dry, advising what to do if your cat has a persistently dry nose. We’ll shine a light on the normal function of a cat's nose, including: 

• Whether it is supposed to be wet or dry
• The reasons why a cat's nose may be wet or dry
• How to determine if a cat's dry nose is a cause for concern, including signs to look out for and when to seek veterinary care

Are Cat Noses Supposed to Be Wet or Dry?

Are cat noses supposed to be dry? Are cat noses supposed to be wet? If you think your cat has dry nose symptoms, and you’re wondering should cats’ noses be wet or dry, the answer is both. Even healthy cats’ noses vary from wet to dry throughout the day. Concerned about a cat’s nose wet or dry? Read on to learn more about a few of the causes.

What Does it Mean When a Cat’s Nose is Dry?

You may ask yourself, Why is my cat’s nose dry? There may be multiple reasons why your cat’s nose is dry, including some benign reasons such as: 

• Lying in the sun
• Poor air circulation in the home
• Too much time spent near a heat source, such as a vent
• Saliva from grooming might remove natural moisture
• Your cat might be a little dehydrated, so you should make sure they’re getting enough water
• Senior cats, even when healthy, tend to have drier noses than do younger cats

Contact your veterinarian if your cat is experiencing any of the following dry cat nose symptoms: 

• Crusty, dry skin: Autoimmune diseases can cause skin conditions, such as the Pemphigus complex, which can cause crusty, dry patches of red skin on cats’ noses, ears and faces.
• Nose damage and swelling: Injuries such as bumps and scratches often cause nose damage and swelling. They can also be a result of a tumor, polyp or a foreign object, which a veterinarian can safely remove.
• Nasal discharge: Excessive or discolored nasal discharge could be a sign of infection or possibly something else, such as a mass, polyp or foreign material. A visit to your veterinarian is warranted if you notice nasal discharge.
• Fever and lethargy: If you have a cat with a dry nose and lethargic behavior, check their temperature. A dry nose may be paired with a fever, often indicating an infection.

What Does it Mean When a Cat’s Nose is Wet?

The nose is wet due to a combination of secretions from different glands including serous, lacrimal and salivary glands. Nasal drainage and sneezing can also cause your cat’s nose to be wet.

Cats’ enhanced sense of smell is due to their often-wet noses. The moisture on cats’ noses locks in scent particles, allowing them to smell the faintest scents.

When to See the Vet

Ultimately, a veterinarian can best answer the questions: Why is my cat’s nose dry? Or, Is it bad if my cat’s nose is dry? If your cat has a persistently dry nose, or your cat has dry nose and is not eating, you should schedule a visit with your veterinarian as soon as you can. Another good reason to contact the veterinarian over a dry nose is if your cat acts erratically in any way, including but not limited to: 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Eye discharge
• Difficulty breathing
• Damaged skin tissue
• Warm skin
• Unusual nasal discharge 

For more expert tips on the health of your cat, explore our other cat health symptoms articles.