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My cat's nose is turning black. What does this color change mean?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

Two of my cats bridge of their noses are turning black and that is not their natural color

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Paula Simons

Veterinarian

Published on February 25th, 2016

Various types of skin infections will cause a change in color of the skin. These include bacterial and fungal skin infections. I'd recommend having your cats seen by a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
It may just be a normal change in pigment color but could be secondary to a medical condition. Have them examined by a vet to determine the cause. Allergies, skin infections, endocrine diseases, and skin cancers can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin. Your vet can do some diagnostic tests, like skin scrapings, cytology, biopsy, and/or bloodwork, to determine the cause and best treatment.
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on July 17th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to know for sure based on these pictures though this is likely a normal pigmentation change. If it is not associated with itchiness or discomfort, there is no need to be concerned about this. If you ever notice any discomfort or itchiness, have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 13th, 2019
Hello. This may be a condition called vitiligo - a form of depigmentation seen in dogs & people, too. It is pretty rare in cats & may have a genetic/hereditary basis or may be immune mediated. You do want to have your vet take a look at this even though there is no treatment & this is primarily a cosmetic condition. You just want to make sure there are no other reasons for the depigmentation. Your veterinarian may elect just to wait & watch, or may recommend a biopsy. Follow their recommendation. There have been a few instances where a few years down the road, the area will repigment, but there is no way to predict. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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What does it mean if my cat's pink nose turned pale with black dots?

Maybe not, however a change in the "pallor", or color of the surfaces of the inside the mouth, the nose (in a light-colored cat) or sclera (white part) of the eyes can indicate certain disease processes. I'd worry potentially about anemia, or lack of red blood cells, making your cat's nose look pale-r than normal. Anemia can have a number of causes including certain infectious diseases transmitted by fleas as well as autoimmune disease. The black dots are concerning as well, although without seeing a picture it's hard to say what those are. Bottom line - I think this is worth getting checked out by your vet, to be sure your kitty is normal.

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Why does my cat's pink nose change from dark to light? Is it normal?

It is pretty normal for a pink nose to change color. As the nose is a part of the body that is hairless and exposed, outside temperature and changes in blood circulation will show up as a color change. Dark pink means there is a lot of blood circulating through the nose, lighter colors mean there is less blood circulating. I would only be concerned if the nose is porcelain white with the gums also being white . This could point to anemia caused by parasites, a bleed or other causes of anemia and would need to be checked out by a veterinarian.

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Why is there a new brown area on my cat's nose? Is it normal?

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My cat has spots on her nose. What's causing them and what to do?

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My cat suddenly has a dark spot on his nose. Should I worry?

This appears to be just a change in color of the hair alone. No worries. THe haircoat in kittens often does change as they get older. As long as the skin itself looks good as you part the hair, there is no concern. : ) Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Take care. : )

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Why is my cat's nose black, raw, painful, bleeding, and uncomfortable?

That looks like it may be dried blood, or something such as an infection/fungus but it is hard to tell from the photo. If he is bleeding from his nose and in pain, I would seek emergency care right away.

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My cat has a small black spot on his nose. When should I see a vet?

From the pictures, it looks as though what you are seeing may be from trauma. Cat scratches to the face commonly occur on cats that are outdoor cats. Many times the hair will not grow back and the cat will be left with a small scar. If canto is indoor only and the nodule is raised, I would say get a vet to examine him to see for sure what it may be. It could be from a bug bite or a skin tumor of some type. If you cannot get to your vet right away, I would say just monitor for now and if it worsens get him seen sooner. It does not look infected or swollen from the picture. I would monitor for signs of infection which may include swelling, redness, painful to the touch, discharge, etc. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation if needed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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