Vet: a cat's nose alone can't reveal its full health picture

Many pet owners believe a moist, cool cat's nose signals good health, while a dry, warm one indicates fever. Certified veterinarian Krista Resne, representing Rimi Mājdzīvniekiem, explains this assumption is too simplistic.

According to her, nose dryness can also occur simply because a cat has just woken up or spent time in a room with dry air. The only reliable way to measure a cat's body temperature is rectally, using a digital thermometer. Meanwhile, during physical exertion or stress, a cat's nose can become notably pinker and moister due to increased heart rate and moisture evaporation — the paw pads can change similarly.

The nose does more than just smell

A cat's nose not only detects scents but also filters, warms and humidifies inhaled air. Cats have between 45 and 80 million scent receptors — far more than humans, who have roughly 5 to 6 million. Cats also possess a vomeronasal, or Jacobson's, organ in the mouth that detects pheromones important for social communication and reproduction.

Skin changes and discharge as warning signs

A healthy nose leather should not flake or crack; if it does, causes may include dry indoor air, dehydration, vitamin deficiency or skin conditions. In some breeds, such as Bengal, Persian and Scottish Fold cats, dry nose skin can be a hereditary trait.

Special attention should go to nasal discharge — if it turns yellowish, greenish or contains blood, this may indicate inflammation or a viral or fungal infection. In more complex cases, a CT or MRI scan may be needed for accurate diagnosis. The expert stresses that a cat's appetite, activity level and overall behavior are more telling than its nose alone, and any concerning signs should be evaluated by a veterinarian.