Vet 101: Feline Fun Facts
We’re taking a break from our usual Vet 101 to share some fun with feline facts. Today’s lesson is about a cat’s nose. The nose pad is also called nose leather and comes in a wide variety of colors. White or light colored fur near the nose will usually result in pink to beige nose. Darker fur near the nose pad will result in shades of brown, gray to black. And yes, the pattern of cat’s nose is as unique as a fingerprint. Your homework: examine your cat’s nose closely in bright bright light. Note the color and shape. Is is cool and moist? Is there any discharge or anything out of the ordinary?
Our Odin loves snorfling in the dirt like a truffle hound. For the longest time, I thought the dark inside edge of his nostril was pigmented until I took a closer look. It turned out to be dirt! As Merlin is aging, I’ve noticed his blue/gray nose has worn edges but still a distinctive heart shape. When Domino arrived years ago on our porch, I wondered if the pigmented black spot on his pink nose could be cancer. It wasn’t but I keep a close eye on to see if the spot changes size, shape or color as pink noses are more susceptible to skin cancer.
As our cats’ parent or guardian, it’s up to us to observe any changes and as Gris Gris points out to…
9 Comments
Margot C
What a fascinating post (to a cat person anyway). Leonardo has a black nose with a pink spot. I wonder if I should watch that?
CATachresis
Yet another thing I have learnt from you, Layla!! At the moment Austin’s nose is stuck in my thigh! I will inspect later. As it is all black, it kind of melts in to the rest of him!xx
Mary Matthews
Thanks for sharing this on the nose information, Layla!
Brian
You always come up with the best stuff! I had nose idea about most of that!
CarenOsrinGittleman (@CatChatCaren)
with all of the things I have learned about cats, I am embarrassed to say that I NEVER knew that cat’s noses are as individual as fingerprints! Thanks for sharing and the graphic is adorable!
Katie Isabella
Loved this and I love pink noses too although mommy said each of us have had dark ones. xox
Kathryn
wow, did not know that about the nose being unique. Ched has the cutest little pink one and Mao’s – let me check – has a sweet little black one.
Happy Day, Sunny outside. Time to take photos of the Duck Pond.
Texas, a cat in New York
What a cute, funny and interesting little post!
I didn’t know about our noses being unique!
Purrs
Cat-from-Sydney
Aaahhh…nose matters! Angelina has the pinkest of nose while mine is…err….off white? har har har *evil laughs*