Why Do Cats Hide Their Nose?

Why Does a Cat Hide Its Nose: Natural and Dangerous Reasons.

The current mood of a pet is conveyed through its posture. Stray animals prefer to fall asleep while tucking their paws underneath them. The “loaf” position allows them to easily escape from an unpleasant situation in case of a sudden emergency. The complete opposite pose is the display of the belly. It increases vulnerability and is used only when there is complete trust in the surroundings. Cats also often cover their nose with a paw, curl up tightly into a ball, or bury their face downwards. There are several explanations for this posture, some of which are related to health.

Why does a cat cover its nose with its paw?

Let’s first discuss the confirmed reasons for why a cat covers its nose. There are four of them in total.

Discomfort from external conditions.

Try to identify irritants. The following factors can disturb a cat:

• Bright light. Not only human eyes but also cat eyes are sensitive to sunlight. If the discomfort is strong, the pet will try to cover both its nose and eyes.
• Cold. A cat’s nose is a very sensitive part of its body. The moist mucous membrane freezes first, so when the temperature drops slightly and there is a draft, furry pets immediately hide their noses with their paw or tail.
• Noise. Children’s screams, a too loud television, and other sounds also interfere with relaxation. In such situations, animals often bury themselves in their paws or press their noses against the surface they are lying on. If you pay attention to their ears, you may notice that they are either flattened or perked up.

If it’s summer outside, but your pet still looks frozen, don’t rush to be surprised and panic. The body temperature of a cat is higher than that of a human and ranges from 37.5 to 38.9°C. Because of this difference, cats are much less likely to suffer from heat and prefer to sleep in warmer places. Particularly sensitive to cold are representatives of the Siamese-Oriental group and hairless breeds.

Psychological defense.

This protective mechanism is aimed at minimizing negative experiences. Cats unconsciously resort to it when experiencing stress. Anxiety due to moving, visiting the veterinary clinic, renovations, and other unpleasant events prompts them to hide in dark places and avoid close contact. In this case, the paw covering the nose acts as an additional “shield”.

Deep sleep.

Don’t exclude simple fatigue. Cats are quite meticulous when it comes to cleanliness. They groom themselves several times a day, so they can easily become tired from the meticulous cleaning sessions following a wild play session with all their crazy antics and signature howls. In such a situation, a tired kitty will fall asleep in whatever position they happen to be in when drowsiness takes over. Similarly, humans who spend too much time reading a book or watching television can “power down” in a similar manner.

If you observe your tired pet and wait for it to wake up, you may witness the continuation of their grooming routine. The paw that was on their nose will start washing their face as if there was no interruption at all.

Feeling unwell.

Short-term stress is a harmless phenomenon. Almost all cats dislike changes in their lives but can eventually adapt to them. Assistance is only necessary if prolonged nervousness persists and if there are worrisome symptoms such as complete apathy, passivity, loss of appetite, and exhaustion.

In addition to chronic stress, more serious conditions can also cause poor well-being, including infections, injuries, tumors, and poisonings. In cases of pronounced pain, chills, and general discomfort, the pet will seek refuge in secluded places and tuck its nose into the floor. This behavior may be accompanied by purring, as the vibrations from this sound provide comfort and relaxation.

Are there any other explanations?

The last and most mundane explanation is comfort. It is more difficult to confirm, as cats are unable to communicate their preferences to their owners. Despite this, we can still theorize and observe certain actions from our beloved pets.

According to folklore, licking a fluffy tail is believed to herald a strong and prolonged snowstorm. However, zoopsychologists associate such behavior with stress, especially when it is repeated frequently.

If all irritants and illnesses have been ruled out, and your pet definitely hasn’t gotten tired and fallen into a deep sleep, it’s all about comfort. The current position is simply the most comfortable and appealing.

Conclusion.

A comfortable sleep is key to good well-being. If during your “investigation” you have managed to identify unfavorable external conditions, try to eliminate them. Minimize current stress factors, change the position of the resting place, cover the windows, and strive to maintain silence when your pet is trying to sleep.

Don’t forget that sometimes a seemingly adorable pose can be a signal for help. If you notice any distressing symptoms, be sure to consult a veterinarian and never resort to self-medication.

Поради щодо здоров’я та харчування тварин у 2025.