Cat's nose knows no bounds!

May 11, 2012 4:34 PM

Kitty with a nose injury. Is it "fixable"?

Okay, so he's not a kitty but will be 13 yrs old this summer. Manx, with an obviously fair and pink nose. Originally mine but my father took care of him for the past 10 years or so. Got him back and I've had to wean him off the unhealthy kibble. Which I think may be partially responsible for the sore because he has had a number of check-ups and they all come back negative for cancer. So, is there a salve of some sort that will help heal the sore? Is there anything I can put on it? I've heard tea tree oil may be useful but I wanted to query the hive first.

posted by Rocket Surgeon to pets & animals (9 answers total)

Not a cat person or a vet, but tea tree oil stings on sensitive skin and mucous membranes (like the nose).

I think it might be helpful to tell folks how long the sore has been there and if it's changed at all in appearance.
posted by deludingmyself at 4:39 PM on May 11, 2012

Quick answer: Tea Tree oil is toxic to cats. I'd try a little plain virgin coconut oil, which is a little antibactierial and nontoxic.
posted by monopas at 4:40 PM on May 11, 2012 [1 favorite]

Teat tree oil is poisonous to cats, FYI.
posted by agent99 at 4:40 PM on May 11, 2012

Good to know about the tea tree oil! The sore has been around for awhile, I want to say years, but I haven't been taking care of him so I'm not sure. I believe it has gotten better since I've been feeding him correctly but then again maybe it was because there has been less sun. At least until now.
posted by Rocket Surgeon at 4:53 PM on May 11, 2012

A cat nose is a tricky thing. He would lick everything right off. So please be careful what you use!
It looks like a minor thing, how long has it been there? Looks just like eschar, so my guess is it will fall off by itself. And then it will look peachy and new

My old cat (who just happened to look A LOT like your Mr. kitty) had always some goo from wet food sticking in that place where nose meets fur. Well it was her old age, it started when she was 17, she lived until 18.5.
Is all the new wet food giving your cat’s nose trouble?
You can use some strong chamomile tea for the wound/area.
posted by travelwithcats at 4:56 PM on May 11, 2012

It has been there for years? Ask your vet! There are things the vet can prescribe. The sun has nothing to do with it - or do you mean the cat was kept inside without daylight???
I think it would be good if you read up a bit on cat care. Your library should have great cat books too.
posted by travelwithcats at 5:13 PM on May 11, 2012

My cat had a crusty nose for a bit -- the vet recommended calendula gel. I'd dab a bit on and in a week or so it went go away. She didn't lick it off her nose immediately but YMMV. I also used it on her boo-boos after surgeries later on. A tube is worth it because it works on people, too!
posted by mibo at 6:07 AM on May 12, 2012

hi, my vet student girlfriend is curious to know what tests you've had done? impression smear? fine needle aspirate?
posted by jcm at 7:22 AM on May 12, 2012

So I've found out the "test" were not actually done, but rather the vet did a shoulder shrug and said something to the effect of "looks fine". Probably a visit to the vet is due sometime in the short future to get an actual test.

Thanks for all the answers!
posted by Rocket Surgeon at 3:53 PM on May 13, 2012