Many pet owners admit that they have a special affection for their pets’ cute faces.

However, through this important organ, you can assess the health status of your pet. Many people believe that a moist, cool nose is the main indicator of a dog’s health, and with good reason. The same applies to cats. A cat’s nose, biologically speaking, is a nasal mirror that usually matches the color of their fur.

For example, in black cats the nasal planum is often black, in gray and tabby cats it is gray. In cats with white faces, the nasal planum is usually pink. Interestingly, each cat has a unique pattern on its nose, like fingerprints or the iris of the eyes.

In healthy animals, the nasal planum is clean, cool and slightly moist, without any discharge or crusts. Their breathing is free.

If your pet’s nose is hot, you should examine it carefully. A healthy cat’s nose is covered in mucus, which helps it detect odors. If the pet’s temperature is elevated, the nose quickly dries out.

However, a dry nose could be a sign that your pet is sleeping or has just woken up. A wet nose, although a good indicator of health, is only one of many. Other signs you should pay attention to:

• Your pet’s activity.
• His appetite.
• Condition of stool and urination.
• No vomiting or diarrhea.
• Condition of the coat.
• The presence of mucous or purulent discharge from the eyes and nose.
• Cough or runny nose.
• Inflammation or ulcers on the nasal planum.

Ginger cats can sometimes develop special pigmented spots on the nose called lentigines. They can also appear on the eyelids, lips and gums.

Sometimes discoloration of the nasal planum can be caused by allergies, hormonal problems, or parasite infestation. In the summer, the nose often darkens under the influence of sunlight, just like human skin.

If the discoloration of the nasal planum is accompanied by lethargy or restlessness in your pet, it is best to contact your veterinarian and get a blood test. Sometimes pigmentation of the nose and dry skin can be associated with a lack of zinc, vitamin E and omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids. In this case, vitamin supplements for the skin and coat can help.

You should be vigilant when crusts and wounds appear on the nose, as this may indicate an allergy, dermatitis, or even an infectious disease. It is best to have the scrapings analyzed at a veterinary clinic, especially if feline calcevirosis is suspected.

With calcevirosis, sores and crusts may appear on the nose and ears, and the cat may experience conjunctivitis, elevated body temperature and breathing problems. If these signs are detected, you should immediately consult a veterinarian.