Cat parents frequently ask if a dry, warm nose means their cat is sick. The short answer is no. But if you're used to feeling a wet cat nose when your kitty gives you kisses, you may worry if she suddenly has dry nose. A healthy cat's nose can vary between wet and dry several times over the course of a day. And there are many reasons your cat can have a dry, warm nose that have nothing to do with health. Here are a few:
Examine your feline friend for any of these symptoms:
Dry skin that's also crusty can be more than just a dermatological issue and "could indicate the presence of sores or blisters, which pop and ooze. These can be the result of an autoimmune disease such as Pemphigus complex," explained Dr. Kari. "This condition starts with patches of red skin on the cat's face, nose and ears." Swelling or other nose damage can be caused by scratches and bumps (after all, cats do love jumping, climbing and tussling), but on the other end of the spectrum, these may indicate a foreign object, polyps or a tumor. Contact your vet right away with any concerns.
A healthy cat's nasal discharge is clear, which you'll see when she has the occasional sneezing fit, says Dr. Mike Paul, a veterinarian at Pet Health Network. A constant runny nose and/or discolored mucus, however, is cause for concern and can be an early sign of an upper respiratory infection. According to Dr. Paul, "If your cat's sneezes are more than occasional or are accompanied by blood or mucus, or if your cat has a concurrent discharge from [her] eyes or also has a cough, the sneeze may be a sign of more significant problems." Respiratory infections are not uncommon in cats — they can even contract the flu virus — and early intervention goes a long way to keeping her healthy.
Though somewhat common, respiratory infections can lead to more serious health issues and signs, including difficulty breathing. Similarly, a very warm, dry nose could indicate a fever or infection, so it's best to take your cat to the vet right away in these instances.
There are over-the-counter remedies, such as creams and ointments, for issues like a dry nose, but prior to treating your cat, contact the vet's office for recommendations.
For most dermatological issues, including dry nose (and even hair loss) due to excessive grooming, the vet may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications to help prevent infection.
Other cat health issues, including respiratory infections and disease, require further consultation with your vet about treatment options.
The good news is that when a cat's nose is dry, cat parents need not worry unless she presents unusual signs or symptoms. As always, keep an eye on her to see if any new symptoms develop; if they do, contact your vet as soon as possible to rule out any underlying health problems. With proper treatment, your fur baby will lead a long, healthy life.
Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Learn the early signs of cat mobility & joint health issues, including the role exercise plays in their joint health & other ways to help keep them mobile.
Concerned about leaving a cat home alone? Considering if she's a kitten or senior cat and her relationship with you can help you decide how long is safe.
Learn helpful info about gingivitis in cats, the most common oral disease among cats, including what it is, causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention tips.
Learn all about munchkin cats, including how to spot one, typical features & characteristics, personality, and any special care requirements.
Learn how getting rid of cat odors in carpets and fabrics is key to getting your house to smell fresh and clean.
Learn possible reasons why your cat’s nose is running, when you should consider bringing them to the vet and common treatments.
To provide the best care for your cat, it is important to know as much about them as possible. Read about a cat's specialized anatomy to learn more.
If you're considering adopting a free kitten, learn some of the things to keep in mind, from potential health problems to socialization issues.
Senior cats certainly have unique needs compared to when they were younger but how do you know when your cat is senior and their needs have changed?
Learn helpful info about cataracts in cats, including what causes them, typical signs of a feline cataract, how they are diagnosed and treatment options.
Learn about the influence of cat genetics on various aspects such as coat color, personality, and susceptibility to certain diseases and the nutrition they may need.
Learn helpful tips for trimming your cat's claws, including nail clippers you'll need and how short you should trim her claws.
Could your cat's wheezing & breathing issues be an asthma attack, or is it just a hairball? Learn to recognize signs of asthma and what you should do.
Learn whether it's safe and healthy to give your cat peanut butter, including certain ingredients to watch for that can be toxic.
Learn about the impact of brain aging and cognitive brain disorders that can affect cats. Good brain health is critical as your cat ages.
Learn about the different types of cancer in cats, how to spot the signs of cancers in your kitty, and treatment options for improving her quality of life.
Learn the science behind why many cats are attracted to olives and love eating them, as well as any health concerns about stuffed olives and olive oil.
Senior cats over age 7 have different nutritional needs than younger cats. Learn what to look for when choosing a food for older and aging felines.
Reasons Why Your Cat is Throwing Up After Eating
Cat's nutritional needs change as they age, so it is important to know when to change their food to keep them healthy and active.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool