Why Do Cats Noses Get Wet When They Purr?
When your cat purrs during your special moments together, it’s a heartwarming sign of their contentment. But if you’ve observed your cat’s nose dripping while they purr, you might wonder why. This unusual occurrence has various causes we’ll explore.
Key Takeaways
When cats purr, their noses may get wet due to their hairless nose skin activating sweat glands. It’s a natural process, nothing to worry about
A cat’s nose might drip while they’re relaxed or feeling content, especially when being petted.
How does a wet nose function?
Seeing your pet relish those cuddles and asking for more is so satisfying! Now, about that wet nose—it’s a natural thing that serves many purposes for your cat. However, excessive wetness could signal health issues. If you notice this, it’s crucial to consult a vet promptly.
What advantages does the wet nose offer?
A cat’s wet nose is due to sweat glands in their nasal area. This unique feature serves a couple of important purposes:
Regulating body temperature
Enhancing their sense of smell
These aspects highlight the usefulness of a cat’s wet nose, aiding them in maintaining temperature and improving their sense of smell. Let’s delve into these benefits.
Regulating body temperature
During summer, a cat’s nose aids in regulating body temperature. With less fur covering it, the nose can release excess heat through evaporating moisture, cooling the cat’s body.
Enhancing their sense of smell
It might seem odd, but it’s true for cats. A wet nose helps particles of smells adhere, aiding the cat in recognizing scents when they reencounter them.
Possible Reasons Why Your Cat's Nose Drips When They Purr
Exposure to Allergens or Irritants in the EnvironmentSigns of Environmental Allergies
Sneezing
Coughing
Wheezing
Eye discharge
Nasal Discharge
Itchiness of the skin or eyes
Inflammation
Exposure to allergens or environmental irritants can lead to nasal discharge in your cat. Allergens vary, affecting cats differently even within the same household. This discharge often begins after inhaling dust, household cleaners, scented items, and more.
Besides nasal discharge, other symptoms may appear if allergies or irritants are the cause. If you’re concerned about your cat’s health or suspect allergies, seek evaluation and advice from your veterinarian.
Common Environmental Allergens/Irritants
Dust mites
Grass
Cigarette smoke
Mold
Pollen
Certain foods
Litter dust
Household cleaning products
Incense
Candles
Diffused essential oils
Activated Sweat Glands
Cats have sweat glands in hairless areas like their noses. When their body temperature needs regulating, these glands are activated, and purring can trigger them. As there’s no hair around to absorb the sweat, you might notice a dripping nose. Usually, sweaty paws leave little wet prints; similarly, if your cat’s nose drips while purring and they seem healthy, it’s likely due to activated sweat glands. This is normal unless accompanied by signs of illness.
Respiratory Infection
Signs of Respiratory Infection
Sneezing
Discharge from the eyes and/or nose
Coughing
Gagging
Drooling
Fever
Lack of appetite
Nasal and/or oral ulcers
Squinting or rubbing eyes
Lethargy
Hoarseness
Regardless of age, cats can contract respiratory infections with symptoms akin to human colds. If your cat has a respiratory illness, you might observe nasal discharge when showing them affection. Viruses are the leading cause, but bacteria and fungi can also contribute. Watch for the mentioned signs to identify respiratory illness in your cat.
Most Common Underlying Causes of Respiratory Illness in Cats
Feline herpesvirus, also called feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), is a prevalent cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. It’s important to note that this virus is specific to cats and doesn’t transmit to humans.
Feline calicivirus, highly contagious among cats, affects the upper respiratory system, leading to mild to severe infections and oral issues.
Bordetella, more common in dogs but can affect cats, spreads quickly in shelters or households with multiple pets.
Chlamydia, a bacterial infection, causes respiratory illness accompanied by symptoms like runny eyes, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
Fungal infections, resulting from various exposure routes like inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, are relatively common in cats.
Eye Problems
Signs of Respiratory Infection
Nasal discharge
Sneezing
Redness in or around the eyes
Squinting or frequent blinking
Pawing at the eyes
Swelling
Visible foreign bod
If you notice your cat’s nose dripping, it could signal an underlying issue with their eyes. Due to their interconnectedness, problems with one often affect the other.
Your cat might encounter eye problems such as conjunctivitis, allergies, bacterial or viral infections, or even foreign objects stuck in the eye.
You should contact your veterinarian if your cat shows any signs of eye trouble. They can conduct a thorough health exam to identify any underlying causes and start appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, a cat’s nose serves several essential roles in their life. It acts as an indicator of their health status. Also, it functions as a means for them to show affection towards their favorite humans. An extremely wet runny nose might signal illness, whereas the typical wetness could be due to sweating.
