Dry Cat Nose

[Sassycat]

Hi,

What does it mean if my cat's nose is totally dry? She is eating normal and everything else seems fine.

[Traci]

It means nothing, in that, you cannot gauge a kitty's health by a dry nose (nor cold, nor wet).

[jason]

you cannot gauge a kitty's health by a dry nose (nor cold, nor wet).

do certain illnesses lend themselves to a dryer nose like a potential side effect of something? also, do cats typically change moisture levels on the outside as part of normal health or would a change indicate a potential issue?

i realise other signs should be apparent, am just curious. perhaps knowing the cause of a change in nose moisture is what im getting at...biologically, what causes this? (is it simple sweat?)

[Traci]

Since cats don't sweat, heat (as in fever), escapes through breathing or panting (mouth or nose), but the nose is not an indicator of health either way, at least it should not be used to determine vitals. Hydration status, mucous membrane color, CRT time, and temperature and heart rate/respiratory rate are the most significant to monitor vitals.

If the nose is excessively and persistently dry, it could be a result of dehydration, in which one can perform the tugor test to double-check hydration status, or examine the gums for moisture and normal color (accompanying signs might include anorexia, vomiting, fever, lethargy, flacid skin, weight loss). If dehydration is a concern, then yes, getting to the cause will determine potential illness. Same with the other vitals, if they are significantly abnormal, then it's time to get a thorough exam to check for potential illnesses.

[jason]

thanks for wetting my curiosity.