Dry And Hot Nose In A Cat Or Cat: Causes (a Symptom Of What Diseases And Conditions May Be) Phenomena In Kittens And Adult Animals

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

A dry and warm cat's nose: healthy or sick

Very often, finding the nose of a beloved cat dry and warm, the owner worries about his health, since it is well known that the nose of a healthy animal should be cool and moist. In fact, a dry and warm nose in a cat is found both in normal physiological situations and in really serious diseases that require immediate delivery to the clinic. Therefore, it is important to be able to tell the difference between these two states.

Content

• 1 What a cat's nose can tell

  1.1 How it feels and looks like a dry and hot cat nose

• 2 When a dry and warm nose may be normal

  2.1 Video: dry and hot nose of an animal

• 3 When a cat's nose is dry and hot is a sign of illness

  • 3.1 How to measure the temperature of a cat

    3.1.1 Video: how to measure the temperature of an animal

  • 3.2 Table: diseases in which the nose lobe dries up

    3.2.1 Video: how to understand that a cat is sick

  • 3.3 For what symptoms do you need to see a doctor urgently?
• 4 What a cat's nose is too cold to talk about
• 5 Veterinarian recommendations

What a cat's nose can tell you

The skin of the cat's nose is covered with a glandular secretion, which serves to retain molecules of odoriferous substances and protects the lobe from drying out. The liquid contained in the secretions of the glands evaporates and cools the skin, so the nose of a healthy cat is cool and slightly slippery to the touch. The nose is considered to be an indicator of a cat's health. Veterinarians call it a nasal mirror, because it reacts quite clearly to a cat's fluid deficiency, especially when it is provoked by overheating.

How does a dry and hot nose of a cat feel and look?

To the touch, a dry and hot nose loses its smoothness and becomes rough. The color of the nose, especially with its light pink hue, can visually become darker; the skin of the lobe looks coarser, dry, with long-term preservation of dryness of the nasal lobe, minor lesions form on it, since there is no protective effect of the secretion of the nasal glands.

The cat's nose is very sensitive, and its damage is always painful for the animal. In addition, when it dries up, the cat's acute sense of smell worsens, on which he is always accustomed to rely, which depresses the pet and can even result in a loss of appetite, since the animal does not smell food well.

A dry and warm nose can be in a healthy cat that is sleeping or has recently woken up

When a dry and warm nose may be normal

A dry and warm nose in a cat does not always indicate an illness in an animal. There are a number of situations in which it is normal:

• The cat is sleeping or woke up half an hour ago - during sleep, the work of the mucous glands slows down, the liquid gradually evaporates from the surface of the nose, and it becomes dry and warm. After awakening, it takes time to restore the amount of secretion covering the nose.

• The cat lacks free drinking water, in this case, the animal cannot compensate for the natural loss of fluid, and the nose becomes dry, reflecting the developing dehydration.

  

  To prevent dehydration, the cat should always have access to water

• Physical activity, active games - during movement, the work of the muscles increases the body temperature, metabolism also increases and natural fluid losses increase, while the nose may also become dry.

  

  The nose becomes dry and warm in an actively playing cat

• Emotional stress, stress - cats are very emotional, and unexpected changes in their environment can provoke stress reactions, in which the nose can become dry and warm. Usually, the cat's behavior changes - she can avoid communication, hide, get angry, often and nervously lick. Dryness of the nose in this case is due to the depressing effect on the work of the glands of the sympathetic impulses of the autonomic nervous system. The stress reaction in the cat either goes away on its own as it gets used to the changed environmental conditions, or you can use sedatives, for example, Fospasim.

  

  Dry and warm nose can become under stress

• Hot and dry air in the room where the cat is kept - while the rate of evaporation of secretion from the nasal mirror exceeds the rate of its formation by the glands of the nose, so the lobe dries up. A dry and warm nose can be found on a cat basking near a radiator.
• Subjective sensations of a person. Sometimes a person identifies as a cat nose temperature increased, due to the fact that the cat's normal temperature by 2 ^to C higher than that of humans.

If a pet's warm and dry nose persists for only a short time, this is a normal physiological state. Make sure your cat has fresh and clean water. The cat may be thirsty but not thirsty if the water or bowl is not completely clean.

Video: dry and hot nose of an animal

When a cat's nose is dry and hot is a sign of illness

A dry and hot nose of a cat can also be a symptom of the disease, and in this case, if you look closely at the animal, you can find other manifestations of the disease. The value of the nose in this situation lies in the fact that it is easily accessible for inspection. The owner should check his suspicions about the pet's illness if the nose remains dry and warm for a long time, and the cat:

• didn't worry;
• did not play;
• did not sleep;
• did not overheat;
• has access to fresh clean water.

If a dry and warm nose is observed for a long time or is combined with other symptoms, the temperature of the cat should be measured.

How to measure a cat's temperature

If you suspect a fever, it is best to measure the temperature of the cat at home, because upon delivery to the veterinary clinic, the cat may experience stress, and its body temperature will become even higher, which will distort the thermometry result.

To measure the temperature in order to securely fix the cat, you will need an assistant. The procedure is carried out in the following sequence:

1. The tip of an electronic or mercury thermometer is lubricated with baby cream or petroleum jelly.
2. The mercury thermometer is shaken, a button is pressed on the electronic one, turning it on.

3. Raise the tail of a securely fixed cat, take it to the side and with careful screwing movements insert the thermometer's nose into the animal's anus parallel to the spine to a depth:

   • 2 cm if the cat is an adult;

   • 1 cm if it's a kitten.

     

     The body temperature of a cat is measured in the anus.

4. To obtain a reliable result, in the case of using a mercury thermometer, they wait 5 minutes, an electronic one - most often 1 minute (the measurement time is indicated in the manufacturer's instructions).

5. Assessment of the result obtained:

   1. 37.7–39.4 ^o C is a normal temperature for adult cats, in kittens up to 5 months, 39.5 ^o C is considered the last normal indicator. Young cats have higher temperature indicators than older cats. For a better assessment of the result, you need to know the normal temperature of a particular cat.
   2. Subfebrile is considered to be a temperature that exceeds the normal individual indicator by less than 1 ^o C.
   3. Febrile (elevated) is considered to be a temperature that exceeds the norm by more than 1 ^o C, but less than 2 ^o C.
   4. Extremely high (giperpireticheskoy) is the temperature exceeding the normal individual parameter more than 2 ^of S.

A subfebrile increase in body temperature does not require measures to reduce it, in contrast to febrile, and even more so hyperpyretic fever. Self-use of human medication is not recommended to reduce fever in cats, as their effects on cats are very different and can cause dangerous consequences, especially stomach bleeding. Therefore, in cats at home, only physical methods of dealing with fever are acceptable:

• cold compresses on the groin areas, as well as the neck area;
• light wetting of the cat's hair with water;
• providing cool water for drinking.

You should hurry up with the delivery of the cat to the veterinary clinic for examination and treatment.

Video: how to measure the temperature of an animal

Table: diseases in which the nose lobe dries up

Group of diseases	Type of disease	Symptoms
Infectious diseases	Panleukopenia	fever; vomiting; diarrhea; runny nose; general weakness; severe dehydration.
	Feline immunodeficiency virus	fever; losing weight; an increase in peripheral lymph nodes; diarrhea; weakness; inflammation of the mucous membranes and skin; development of viral peritonitis.
	Viral leukemia	fever; losing weight; gingivitis, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, sinusitis caused by a secondary infection; tumor lesions of various localizations; diarrhea; anemia; loss of appetite; an increase in peripheral lymph nodes, liver, spleen.
	Calicivirus	fever; ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa and nasal mirror; rhinotracheitis with cough, sneezing, runny nose; pneumonia with shortness of breath, cough, intoxication; arthritis with pain in the joints, an increase in their size and tenderness on palpation.
	Bartonellosis	fever; jaundice; conjunctivitis; diarrhea; vomiting; oppression and weakness.
Acute diseases, as well as exacerbation of chronic diseases	Pancreatitis	dehydration; nausea, diarrhea; abdominal pain; losing weight; loss of appetite.
	Pyelonephritis	fever; abdominal pain; lethargy, depression; cloudy urine with an unpleasant odor.
	Colitis	abdominal pain; alternation of constipation and diarrhea; weight loss.
Metabolic diseases	Diabetes	losing weight; weakness; thirst; increased appetite; a large amount of urine discharge.
	Fatty hepatosis	nausea and vomiting; diarrhea; weakness; loss of appetite; decrease in body weight.
	Thyrotoxicosis	restless behavior; losing weight; thirst; increased appetite; heartbeat.
Surgical diseases	Peritonitis	nausea, vomiting; fever, intoxication; general oppression; severe pain syndrome; forced situation; strong tension of the abdominal muscles, "board-like" abdomen; heart palpitations; dyspnea; dehydration.
	Intestinal obstruction	bloating; cramping pain in the abdomen; nausea, vomiting; lack of a chair; dehydration; in the later stages, fever joins.
	Phlegmon of soft tissues	fever, intoxication; pain, swelling, redness; purulent discharge in the affected area; dehydration; an increase in regional lymph nodes; depressed state; forced position.
Autoimmune and allergic diseases	Glomerulonephritis	fever; weakness; meaty slop urine; with the formation of renal failure, dehydration develops; swelling.
	Rheumatism	fever; decreased mobility; swelling and pain in the joints; heart rhythm disturbances; general oppression.
	Dermatitis with elements of the nasal speculum rash	itching of the nose area; rash on the lobe.
Oncological diseases	Tumor-like formations	general exhaustion; weakness; lack of appetite; palpable masses in various parts of the cat's body; an increase in peripheral lymph nodes; nausea and vomiting; diarrhea or stool retention; ulcerative defects on the skin, mucous membranes, mammary glands; fever; bleeding when the tumor decays; pain syndrome of various localization.
Parasitic infections	Helminthic invasion	bloating; diarrhea alternates with constipation; cramping abdominal pain; instability of appetite; losing weight; bad coat.
Partial intestinal obstruction	Trichobezoars	nausea; vomiting; constipation; bloating.
Toxic damage	Poisoning	nausea, vomiting; salivation; behavior change - anxiety or oppression; diarrhea; loss of consciousness; convulsions; violation of blood clotting, hemorrhage in tissue, external and internal bleeding in case of poisoning with rat poison.

Thus, a dry and hot nose is a symptom that signals dehydration or fever, which is also always accompanied by varying degrees of dehydration. When these conditions are eliminated, as well as their causes, the secretion of nasal mucus normalizes, and the nose becomes cool and moist. If, as a result of prolonged drying, the nasal speculum is injured with the formation of wounds, abrasions, crusts - you need to help it heal by treating it with sea buckthorn oil or panthenol.

Video: how to understand that a cat is sick

Veterinarians do not recognize dryness or wetness of the animal's nose as a particularly valuable diagnostic criterion, since they consider it to be low specific, subject to changes in dynamics and dependent on external conditions. For an accurate assessment of the condition of an animal, and even more so for reaching a diagnosis, they need more reliable diagnostic criteria. Nevertheless, according to my observations, many experienced veterinarians, examining the animal after removing the dropper and controlling its condition, touch the back of the hand to the patient's nose, assessing its temperature and humidity. In addition, they assess the moisture and color of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, the shine of the eyes of the animal, the turgor of the skin fold - whether the skin straightens out after pinching it, and also control the rate of capillary filling by pressing on the gum - normally the color of the mucous membrane is restored less,less than 2 seconds; this criterion helps them assess capillary blood flow. After that, they count the pulse, listen to the heart and lungs, and measure blood pressure with a veterinary tonometer on the paw or tail; the average blood pressure of a cat is 120/80 mm Hg. Art. - just like a person. Thus, dryness of the nose for a veterinarian is one of the many auxiliary criteria for assessing the condition of an animal, but for the owner of a cat this indicator is very valuable, since the nose is easily accessible for examination and it is possible to track its changes in time in response to developing fever and dehydration, regardless from their cause, and consult a doctor in time to clarify the diagnosis and treatment.listen to the heart and lungs and measure blood pressure with a veterinary tonometer on the paw or tail; the average blood pressure of a cat is 120/80 mm Hg. Art. - just like a person. Thus, dryness of the nose for a veterinarian is one of the many auxiliary criteria for assessing the condition of an animal, but for the owner of a cat this indicator is very valuable, since the nose is easily accessible for examination and it is possible to track its changes in time in response to developing fever and dehydration, regardless from their cause, and consult a doctor in time to clarify the diagnosis and treatment.listen to the heart and lungs and measure blood pressure with a veterinary tonometer on the paw or tail; the average blood pressure of a cat is 120/80 mm Hg. Art. - just like a person. Thus, dryness of the nose for a veterinarian is one of the many auxiliary criteria for assessing the condition of an animal, but for the owner of a cat this indicator is very valuable, since the nose is easily accessible for examination and it is possible to track its changes in time in response to developing fever and dehydration, regardless from their cause, and consult a doctor in time to clarify the diagnosis and treatment.but for the owner of the cat, this indicator is very valuable, since the nose is easily accessible for examination and it is possible to track its changes in time in response to developing fever and dehydration, regardless of their cause, and consult a doctor in time to clarify the diagnosis and treatment.but for the owner of the cat, this indicator is very valuable, since the nose is easily accessible for examination and it is possible to track its changes in time in response to developing fever and dehydration, regardless of their cause, and consult a doctor in time to clarify the diagnosis and treatment.

If you suspect a cat is developing an illness, do not hesitate to visit the clinic

What symptoms do you need to see a doctor urgently?

Some of the symptoms accompanying the drying out of the nasal speculum require immediate veterinary assistance:

• febrile and hyperpyretic fever;

• combination of fever with:

  • vomiting;
  • diarrhea;
  • depression of the general condition;
  • pallor or cyanosis of the mucous membranes;
  • severe pain syndrome;
  • change in the amount and color of urine;
  • rapid heartbeat;
  • shortness of breath;
  • bleeding of any localization;
  • jaundice;
  • an increase in peripheral lymph nodes, liver, spleen;
  • volumetric formations of any localization;
  • difficulty moving;
  • lack of vaccinations in the animal;
  • childhood;
  • pregnancy and lactation;
  • shock state;
  • convulsions;

• the appearance of nasal discharge:

  • one-sided discharge of a mucous nature or with an admixture of blood can be with a foreign body in the nasal passage, while the cat rubs his nose with his paw, trying to get rid of it;
  • abundant watery bilateral discharge is characteristic of allergic rhinitis, may be complemented by urticaria, rash, itchy skin;
  • unilateral bloody discharge can be with polyps and tumors in the nasal cavity;
  • bilateral discharge of a purulent nature causes rhinitis of bacterial or fungal origin;
  • bilateral mucous discharge usually occurs at the onset of an infectious disease;
  • nosebleeds are typical for injuries and poisoning with anticoagulants, which are part of rat poisons;

• sharp color change of the nasal mirror:

  • paleness - shock, anemia are possible;
  • cyanosis - insufficiency of the function of the heart, lungs;
  • jaundice - with the development of jaundice, a change in the color of the nose is clearly visible in animals with an unpigmented lobe, if the lobe is colored, then these changes can be observed on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and conjunctiva of the eye.

What does a cat's too cold nose say?

A cat's nose may be too cold when:

• hypothermia - the cat is placed in a blanket, a warm heating pad is applied, and a warm drink is offered;

• state of shock - shock is manifested by a sharp drop in blood pressure, as well as:

  • rapid and arrhythmic heartbeat;
  • frequent shallow breathing, which slows down with the deepening of the shock state;
  • lethargy, turning into loss of consciousness;
  • decrease body temperature below 37 ^to C;
  • pale mucous membranes;
  • cold nose, ears and paws;
  • slow capillary filling speed (more than 2 seconds).

The state of shock is a direct threat to the cat's life and requires its immediate delivery to the nearest veterinary hospital where there is a resuscitator. The cat needs to be wrapped in a blanket, laid on its side, the pelvic end raised to improve the blood supply to the brain - and very much in a hurry to the clinic.

Veterinarian recommendations

A dry and warm nose can often be found in healthy cats in a limited number of situations, and it can also be one of the symptoms of an illness, including a severe one. Therefore, in assessing the likelihood that a cat may develop a disease, the general condition of the animal, the results of thermometry, as well as the appearance of certain symptoms of the disease, are of great importance. A dry nose in a cat is not a specific symptom indicating any pathology; at the same time, a dry and warm nose is an easily accessible indicator, indicating the occurrence of an imbalance in the water balance in the cat's body, caused by dehydration and fever. When the underlying disease is cured, the condition of the nose lobe normalizes on its own and does not require separate interventions.