This first time I noticed that my calico cat Merritt’s nose seemed pinker than usual, I thought I was imagining it. But when it happened again and again I got curious and a bit concerned. Merritt’s pale pink nose would turn a bright, hot pink when she was excited or after a bout of fetch (yep, she’s one of those doglike cats!). This got me thinking: why does my cat’s nose change color — and is it normal?
Merritt as a kitten, at rest with a very light pink nose. Her cute little nose freckle (more on that later!) wasn’t there yet! Photography courtesy Cait Rohan Kelly.
If, like me, you’ve noticed your cats nose getting brighter and more vibrant like some sort of kitty Rudolph on a foggy Christmas Eve, you’re not alone.
“Cats noses can change color from light pink to darker pink, normally in times of excitement or stress due to a temporary elevation in heart rate and blood pressure,” says Jenny Kistler, DVM at Brandermill Animal Hospital in Midlothian, Virginia. “This is a normal event and is usually nothing to worry about as long as it is short term.”
Related: 4 Cool Facts About Cat Noses
Dr. Sasha Gibbons of Just Cats Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut, says that temperature also plays a role in a cat’s nose changing color. “The cat’s nose is highly vascularized (which means it has numerous small blood vessels throughout it),” Gibbons says.“These blood vessels can grow or shrink with different variables (such as heat, cold and high or low blood pressure). This can cause variations in the pink coloration of the nose. For instance, when a cat is cold, the blood vessels are smaller so the nose might appear light pink. When a cat is hot, or blood pressure raises, the vessels are larger so the nose may appear darker pink or red.”
We are a two-cat household but I only see the color changes happen to Merritt’s nose. My other cat, Gabby, is a colossally large and lazy tabby who doesn’t play or get excited about much in life (besides catnip). He has a pink – albeit a darker, more pigmented pink — nose.
In turns out that this phenomenon is simply more noticeable in some cats. “All cats have the same anatomy of the nose, but the variations are much easier to see in cats with light-colored noses,” says Dr. Gibbons.
You may be reading this article thinking, “but what about those little dots on my cat’s nose?!” Good news — those spots, aka nose freckles or lentigo, are normal, too. And, like a cat’s nose changing colors, they also only show up on certain kitties.
“Freckles can appear in cats carrying the gene for red color, such orange- or cream-colored tabby cats and calicos,” Dr. Jane Brunt, CATalyst Council executive director and American Association of Feline Practitioners’ past president, explains. “They show up as dark brown spots near the mucous membranes so you might see them on the nose, lips and eyelid margins and they tend to increase with age. These freckles or ‘age spots’ are usually harmless. Have your veterinarian note this at each yearly exam, and you can even take photos to watch them over time.”
This cool coloration occurs on both of my cats. Merritt, a calico, and Gabby, a cream-colored tabby, both have one small nose freckle on their left nostrils. Even though they are definitely not related or even the same age, I think of this as a cute little sibling tattoo or the equivalent of a kitty nose ring they got to rebel against their cat mom (me).
Merritt excited to take possession of my purse as you can tell by her bright pink nose. Or, maybe she’s anxious about dad folding his laundry in the background! Photography courtesy Cait Rohan Kelly.
A cat’s nose changing color because of a toy chase is one thing. But are there any times you should see your vet about it?
“It’s important to know what’s normal for cats, and for your cat, and noticing the color of your cat’s nose indicates you are an observant and caring cat parent!” Dr. Brunt says.
According to Dr. Brunt, here’s what’s not normal when it comes a cat’s nose changing color:
Dr. Kistler also notes that nose color changes and nose freckles are most likely normal. But “you should be concerned and contact your veterinarian if you notice any raised, discolored areas on the nose, as well as ulcerations, erosions, swelling or bleeding. These can be signs of more serious problems,” she says.
Let’s go back to the fact that your cat’s nose color changes are sometimes caused by blood pressure changes. Does this mean that a cat’s nose color change could indicate blood pressure problems?
“As in people, high blood pressure or hypertension in cats can be a silent and serious health problem,” explains Dr. Brunt. “That’s why screening is so important in adult and senior cats and your cat-friendly veterinarian will be able to do that. When hypertension is advanced, in addition to a pinker nose which may be difficult to notice since it tends not to change, other signs can include yowling, pacing and blindness. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can occur as a result of illness or injury and your cat may appear lethargic or sleeping more than normal.”
In other words, cat nose color changes are usually nothing to worry about unless you notice other out-of-the-ordinary symptoms. Chances are you’re already an observant cat parent if you’ve noticed that your cat’s nose changes color. Keep up the good work!
Top photograph: _Runis_/Thinkstock.
Read Next: Ask a Vet: Is a Dry Cat Nose a Cause for Concern?
39 comments on “Why Does My Cat’s Nose Change Color?”
a cat’s nose what was pink in white and tabby cats as well as black and white cats is also a sign of ageing.
My last name is Merritt
Hi my cat Sasha just had kittens on December 5th and I noticed her nose went from pale pink to almost white.
Hi my cat had kittens on 4 July and her nose has gone white too…. I don’t know whether to worry or not. What happened in the end sv388
hi sasha my kitten’s nose has turned white but before it was pink
My cat, Opie, is white/orange cat, about 4-1/2 years old. We adopted her about 2 months ago. Lily is here too, she’s an older black cat.
hi sasha my kitten’s nose has turned white but before it was pink
Hi, my cat is 9 years old. I recently noticed that he sleeps more than usual, his appetite has decreased and his nose turned from light pink to bright pink without having any physical activity. A few months ago
Hi my cat Sasha just had kittens on December 5th and I noticed her nose went from pale pink to almost white.
hi sasha my kitten’s nose has turned white but before it was pink
Hi Raven, We suggest taking your cat to the vet and showing your vet the situation.
a cat’s nose what was pink in white and tabby cats as well as black and white cats is also a sign of ageing.
Hi Raven, We suggest taking your cat to the vet and showing your vet the situation. Best of luck and hope your kitty is feeling better!
a cat’s nose what was pink in white and tabby cats as well as black and white cats is also a sign of ageing.
i have a cat, and i call her taylor :3
My cat is a tuxedo with the upper right third black, the rest pink.
Lately I’ve noticed it being darker pink, but he seems to be acting normally. Maybe the heat in my home is too high for him?
My cat typically has a rusty colored nose but in the last few months I have noticed that sections are turning pale beige-like. Weird? Cause for concern?
My Tabby’s nose colour went from light pink to black plus a little above the nose. Should I be concerned?
I had noticed the other day that my cat Gabby, whom is a brown spotted tabby, has a very pale pink nose during the day and a pretty bright pink nose at night. I had gotten a bit curious/concerned and then it dawned on me that she only comes in the warm house at night! Cats noses may read a bit like han skin… Hot = red/pink I did a follow up search to prove or disprove my thoughts. I am so pleased to read that my Gabballa is just fine!
My daughters cat has been missing for 2 weeks. Her kitty has a dark brown nose. We saw a picture of a missing cat that looks very much like my missing grand kitty, however the kitty in the picture posted has a pink nose & looks like the nose has been a bit beaten up. The markings are the look the same, hard to tell with a single picture however. Could injury cause her nose to go from dark brown to pink? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank You
I am so sorry to have read this! Of course you posted this months ago… I do hope you found kitteh in good health and spirits!
My daughter’s cat is a ginger tiger, and his eyes match his dark orange fur. His nose, however, is pink, and it changes colors with his mood. He’s happiest when my daughter is around, and his nose is often almost highlighter-pink. When he’s just chillin’, his nose is a neutral pink, and when he’s upset or angry, it will be almost white, though that doesn’t happen often.
My cat, Opie, is white/orange cat, about 4-1/2 years old. We adopted her about 2 months ago. Lily is here too, she’s an older black cat. While Opie wants to friends, Lily isn’t, not yet anyway. Opie’s nose is usually a pale pink. She’s very photogenic and likes to pose. I notice in the photos, her nose is bright red/pink. I’ll have to watch to see if Opie’s nose changes color after a hissie sissie encounter.
Hi, my cat is 9 years old. I recently noticed that he sleeps more than usual, his appetite has decreased and his nose turned from light pink to bright pink without having any physical activity. A few months ago, we adopted a puppy (but is a big dog) and since then my cat seems stressed.
Are this normal symptoms for an old cat dealing with a playful big puppy? What can I do?
Hi Mariana — Thanks for reaching out! We suggest contacting a vet. Best of luck!!
Hi my cat Sasha just had kittens on December 5th and I noticed her nose went from pale pink to almost white. Does this mean she might be anemic? Is there anything I give her to help?
Hi Raven, We suggest taking your cat to the vet and showing your vet the situation. Best of luck and hope your kitty is feeling better!
hi sasha my kitten’s nose has turned white but before it was pink
could u please tell me how did u cure your cat????
thanks in adv.
My last name is Merritt
a cat’s nose what was pink in white and tabby cats as well as black and white cats is also a sign of ageing.