Why does a cat's nose change color?

Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 23 January 2021
Update Date: 27 April 2024
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Anyone who lives with a cat must already be used to some typical signs of feline body language: the movements of the tail, the hairs that stand up and their postures. If you are an observant cat owner, you may have noticed that in some specific situations the cat's nose changes color. Unlike those mentioned above, the color change in the cat's nose has a physiological explanation that may have been encouraged by some specific behaviors and situations. In this post by PeritoAnimal we explain why does the cat's nose change color and which pathologies have cat nose pigmentation or depigmentation as one of its symptoms.

Because the cat's nose changes color

At cat nose colors can vary greatly, from pinker to darker. Like humans, cats have different skin tones. So, it is normal for them to have different nose colors: brown, pink, yellowish or black, for example. If your cat is a kitten, you may also notice that as the weeks go by, his pinkish nose will take on a different shade or get darker.


increased blood pressure

As good tutors, we must always be aware of any changes in behavior, as well as physical, in our feline. If you notice that the cat's nose changes color only at occasional times, such as excitement, stress or when he performs some extra effort, the explanation is related to increased heart rate and blood pressure. It is not a sign of pathological problem for healthy cats, but in the case of stress, it is necessary to assess what makes it so.

  • Excitement;
  • Stress;
  • Physical effort.

In other words, just as we humans can turn red when we exercise or go through some stressful situation, this same symptom can manifest itself in feline noses temporarily. If this change is not temporary, however, you need to be aware of other symptoms and consider the causes below.


cat's nose losing color

As soon as you notice that a cat's nose changes color and no longer returns to the original, it is essential to see a veterinarian to diagnose it as soon as possible. In the case of depigmentation (whitish cat nose), some of the possible causes are:

vitiligo

Vitiligo in cats, although rare, does exist. This condition is characterized by depigmentation of the skin and fur. To confirm, you need the veterinary evaluation, but in this case the cat nose depigmentation also accompanies hair depigmentation.

feline lupus

This autoimmune disease also affects cats. In the case of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, it is characterized by depigmentation of the skin, possible redness and scaling.


Diseases and allergies that change the color of a cat's nose

When a cat's nose changes color, becoming much more intense or darker than usual, it can be one of the symptoms of:

Allergies

In addition to bites, cats can also show changes in the nose as a symptom of allergic reactions to plants or chronic factors such as allergic rhinitis, for example. In these cases the cat may also present breathing difficulties, itching, sneezing and swelling. It is essential to see a veterinarian to rule out or treat any poisoning.

Cancer

There are different types of cancer in cats and their symptoms vary, but this is a hypothesis that shouldn't be ruled out if this color change in the cat's nose is actually a wound that doesn't heal, for example. Diagnosis should be made by a veterinarian.

Hypothyroidism or or hyperthyroidism

Dermatological changes, not necessarily just in the color of the cat's nose, are one of the possible symptoms of hormonal changes in the thyroid, giving the impression that the cat's nose is losing color, as well as the other way around. Check out the complete list of symptoms in the articles on feline hypothyroidism.

Injuries or bruises

Scratches and injuries from fights with other cats, domestic accidents, and other causes can make the cat's nose appear to have changed color. In this case, it is usually easy to identify them, but they need to be treated and disinfected as soon as possible to prevent infections and even deformation of the animal's face.

stings

Reactions to insect bites right in the cat's nose can also cause redness and local swelling. If in addition to these symptoms you also notice symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and fever, it is mandatory to go to the vet immediately as this is an emergency situation.

Others

Other pathologies known to cause changes in the appearance of the cat's skin or nose are:

  • Feline Aids (FiV)
  • Feline cryptococcosis (clown-nosed cat)
  • Bowen's Disease
  • feline sporotrichosis
  • bacterial infections
  • Jaundice
  • lentigo
  • Leukemia (FeLV)
  • Malassezia
  • feline rhinotracheitis

Many of these diseases can be prevented with vaccination and deworming. Take your cat to visit a veterinarian regularly for any symptoms to be detected as soon as possible.

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.

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