My 12 yr old cat suddenly developed a sizable spot on her nose. It is not scabby like the other questions in the forum. I have read that skin can develop spots, but could there be other medical reasons that could be the cause?

My cat HATES going to the vet and I try to limit her visits as much as possible. She's indoor only and eats well and is very sociable and acting normal. If there are other reasons for nose spots I'll bring her in.


Thank you for writing in with concern for your cat. While this spot (or spots) on your cat’s nose may not be worrisome, I could not say for certain without seeing your cat in person or at least seeing a photo of your cat.

You didn’t mention in your letter what color your cat is or what color her nose is, but cats can develop pigment spots anywhere on their bodies, including the nose, mouth, eyelids, and gums. These pigment spots tend to increase with the age of the cat, so you may begin to see more of them as time passes. Cats that are orange or calico or tortoise shell in color are more likely to have these pigment spots develop.

It is also possible that this spot is a scab, scratch, or small injury. It should also be noted that cats can develop skin cancer, even if they are indoors only. If your cat is white or has a white nose, she is more at risk for skin cancer than cats with dark fur.

Bringing her to a veterinarian for a check-up would be advised. If your kitty is eating, drinking, and acting normally and continues to do so, then it's probably not an emergency, but should still be addressed by a vet. You mention that this spot on your cat's nose "suddenly" developed and cancer or pigment spots are not likely to develop suddenly. Your description most fits trauma, but there is no way to know for sure without a veterinarian taking a look at the spot on your cat's nose.

All the best,
Dr. Neely