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Cat owners and enthusiasts will know, one of the (many) unique and lovely things about our feline friends (along with their toe beans) is their wet noses. You may notice this during a cuddle sesh when they push their face against yours for an affectionate nose bump and their cold snout graces your cheek. Some of the questions that may arise from this encounter include: Why do cats have wet noses? SHOULD cats have wet noses? Does my kitty need a nose wipe? And can cats get any cuter?
Turns out, there are several biographical reasons for having a wet kitty snoot. Pet expert Rory the Vet gets into it.
MEET RORY THE VET
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet.
Follow him on Instagram
Reasons for wet noses in cats
Every cat is different, some have wetter noses than others and this can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, age and their environment. This can also change throughout the day depending on their surrounding environment, their hydration level or their general health.
Environment
Environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity levels, can affect a cat’s nose. For instance, their nose can become wetter when the weather is humid and saturated with moisture which they breathe in. And if the weather or temperature is cold or dry or your kitty is around artificial heating and cooling systems, this can strip moisture from their nose and make them less wet.
Drinking water
Whenever your cat goes to drink water, the action can make their nose wet in the process due to water droplets or excess salvia.
Licking
Cat’s like to groom themselves often, and this includes licking their nose, which leaves behind moisture and contributes to a wet snout.
Tears
Tear production drains excess fluid from a cat’s eyes through the nasolacrimal duct, leading to the nose and mouth.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Your cat’s wet nose could also be signalling their overall health. If you notice weepy eyes, sneezing, or other signs of an allergy or illness and their nose is wetter than usual, they might have an upper respiratory infection which would need a visit to the vets.
Speaking of cat health, here’s my guide on foods to avoid feeding your cat to keep them safe.
What’s the difference between a wet and dry nose?
A wet nose is important for a cat. The moisture helps capture and trap scent particles, which is needed for social interaction and mating behaviour. Their wet snoot allows them to gather information about other cats and potential mates. Cats also rely heavily on their sense of smell to recognise people, objects and their favourite foods.
While a wet nose is generally considered normal, a dry nose isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, for instance, your cat may have a dry nose after spending a day lounging in the sun.
What should I do if my cat’s nose is too dry?
If your cat’s nose is consistently dry, and/or flaky, crusty or the skin is swollen around their nostrils, it may indicate dehydration or another underlying health issue. A vet should be consulted in this instance.
Final Thoughts
Our feline friends and their wet noses serve multiple functions, from enhancing their sense of smell to indicating their current health status. You as their pet parent must pay attention to any changes and consult with a veterinarian should you have concerns. Otherwise, embrace their adorable damp snouts as one of the many fascinating qualities from our furry companions.
The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.
Published on 26/02/2026
