Why Are Cats Noses Cold – What You Should Know!

Many cat owners swear by a cold, wet nose as a sign of good health in their cats, and even most vets agree that a cold, wet nose can be one of many health indicators. What’s less obvious is why are cats noses cold?

Cats have cold noses can because they are well hydrated and healthy. In addition, your cat’s nose is likely cold either because they lick it frequently, which cools it off, or because the mucus in their nose is helping disperse heat, making their nose colder. 

A cold nose is quite normal for cats, but there is plenty to still learn about it. Here’s what you need to know about your cat’s cold (or warm) nose. 

Reasons Cats Have Cold Noses

Here are some of the most common reasons your cat might have a cold nose, whether their nose is always cold or only sometimes. 

Mucus Helps Cool The Nose

Mucus in your cat’s nose and on their nose can help disperse heat.

That means that their nose might feel cold to the touch just because all the heat is dispersing into the air around them. Your cat doesn’t necessarily have to have mucus on the surface of its nose for this to happen; just breathing can cause it. 

Your Cat Licks Their Nose

Cats also have the instinct to lick their nose partially to keep their nose wet and more comfortable. Since licking their nose makes their nose wet, it also encourages heat dispersion, cooling their nose off even more than the mucus in their nose. 

Your Cats Nose Helps Them Stay Cool

Some cats also have a cool nose because the extra heat dispersion from mucus and licking their nose is part of how your cat regulates their temperature. If the rest of your cat is really warm and your cat’s nose is cool, they’re probably using that coolness to regulate temperature. 

Wet Noses Might Help Your Cat Smell 

Some experts theorize that keeping their nose cold might improve your cat’s sense of smell.

It’s not entirely clear if the moisture increases the accuracy of their sense of smell or increases the range of their sense of smell, but there is at least some proof that a wet nose works better for cats. 

Of course, this is still just hypothetical. While there is some evidence that this is true, it’s not conclusive yet.

They Might Be Sick

If your cat’s nose isn’t usually cold and wet, and especially if they’re also acting lethargic, your cat might be sick. Cats can catch colds just like people, and colds can make their noses feel colder and wetter than average. 

If you suspect that your cat might be getting sick, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet. Most cats can clear a simple cold on their own, but it can be hard to tell a mild cold from more severe issues like respiratory infections.

Are Cats Supposed To Have A Cold Nose

Many people think that cats are supposed to have a cold, damp, or wet nose, like a dog. Like dogs, though, this isn’t always true, and every cat is a little different when it comes to cold or wet noses. 

The truth is that cats’ noses range from very cold and often wet to almost always warm and dry. More cats have cold noses than warm ones, but not every cat is the same. It’s also important to note that your cat’s nose temperature may change as they age, growing either colder or warmer on average. 

Should Cats Noses Be Cold And Wet

Not every cat that has a cold nose will also have a wet nose. That’s because there is a range of reasons your cat might have a colder nose, and not all of those reasons also cause a wet nose.

It’s also worth considering your environment. For instance, if you live somewhere that’s naturally humid, your cat’s nose is more likely to stay wet for longer when they lick it. But if you live somewhere with naturally dry air, a wet nose might be a little rarer.

Just like cold noses, it’s worth paying attention to your cat’s nose enough to know if it’s usually wet or dry. A sudden change might mean a change in your cat’s health, especially if their nose is usually dry and suddenly starts running. As always, if you suspect a change in your cat’s health, it’s a good idea to take them to a vet just in case. 

Should A Cat’s Nose Be Dry

Many cats have naturally dry noses, and it’s unusual to see a cat with a nose as wet as a dog’s, but your cat’s nose doesn’t have to be dry.

Some cats lick their noses more often or naturally produce more mucus in their nose if your cat has seasonal allergies that may also make their nose more wet or dry at certain times of the year. 

However, if your cat’s nose is dry and usually isn’t, especially if it’s also discolored or your cat is showing other signs of distress, that may be a sign that they are dehydrated or that something else is wrong. 

Things To Consider

When it comes to your cat’s nose, there is no one state that’s going to be standard 100% of the time. The temperature and humidity of your home can impact your cat’s nose temperature, as can allergens and anything else in your home. 

Things like burning candles or incense can also make your cat’s nose slightly runnier, so don’t be surprised if your cat’s nose is a little wetter. 

Fluctuations through the day and as your cat ages are both typical as well. With that in mind, it’s always important to pay attention to other signs of health or illness in your cat.

Things like unusual lethargy, low appetite, and even poor coat quality can all be signs that something is wrong. But if all of those are normal, your cat is probably okay, even if their nose is colder or warmer than usual.