It should be no surprise that dogs drool – and they do so in copious amounts. However, it often comes across as highly unusual behavior if you have ever witnessed a drooling cat. Before you bend down to examine your furry feline further, we have listed some of the most common reasons why cats drool. These range across the board in terms of seriousness and can be a precursor for the next time you visit a vet. These are followed by general suggestions to help curb the same.
Reasons Why your Cat Might Be Drooling
There are a few reasons why do cats drool? One possibility is that they’re seeking attention. Some medical conditions can also lead to drooling, such as heat stroke, kidney disease, and dental problems. If your cat drooling suddenly and you’re not sure why, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any potential health concerns.
#1 Dental Disease
Cat dental diseases are pretty common, especially as they age. Research estimates that over 85% of cats that drool have some form of dental disease. These diseases cause a lot of irritation around the dental cavity, followed by drooling. Drooling generally happens, in this case, to provide some relief to the afflicted areas. In case of any preexisting oral issues, the drool may be tinged with blood. Most vets suggest keeping a regular oral hygiene routine for your cats.
#2 Cat has Ingested Something Poisonous
it might have nibbled on some foreign bodies and later found itself unable to digest the toxins. In this case, the cat’s body works overtime to remove the toxins from its system. The body’s way of responding to this would be excessive drooling to get rid of them. The best option, in this case, would be to empty the contents of your cat’s stomach immediately. Follow-up treatment can be done by either providing medications or using activated charcoal to absorb the toxins.
#3 Oral Cancer
While oral cancer is not very common in felines, they exhibit symptoms wherein cat drooling alot is one. Cat mouth cancer can progress in felines across a myriad number of stages. They originate anywhere from the tongue’s tip to the throat’s back. If cancer in cats propagates itself in the form of malignant tumor growth, then surgery might be a good option. The first step in diagnosis would be to get your cat checked by a vet. Afterward, treatment can follow in the form of either surgery or chemotherapy.
#4 Any Issue with the Kidney or Liver
Kidney and liver issues are pretty common in cats. These might arise from many factors owing to dietary or lifestyle changes. This occurs when the kidney can no longer process the toxins generated within the body. Drooling becomes a coping mechanism for the body to get rid of toxins. Cat drooling causes due to ulcers in the mouth or nausea caused by the disease. Vets, in this case, might change the diets for your cats. Some may also recommend keeping an eye on their water intake.
#5 Respiratory Condition
Sometimes, an infection in the upper respiratory tract of felines can lead to hypersalivation in cats. These infections generally stem from viral infections and have no immediate cure available. These infections might span across the throat, sinus, and nasal cavities. Most vets suggest following up on diagnosis with curative treatments. It includes antibiotic medication or, in more severe conditions, intravenous fluids. Sometimes making changes to their living conditions may also help. An example of this would be to use a humidifier. Many cats are also given appetite stimulants, in this case, to help them recover. At such times one must provide their pet with the best raw cat foods.
#6 Presence of Foreign Bodies in the System
Cats tend to chew or might on a wide variety of objects like grass blades or yarn. Sometimes, these objects get lodged in the food pipe and cause irritation. Cats try to vomit out foreign bodies; however, it often manifests into difficulty while swallowing. In this case, the body generates extra saliva to help with the process. This, in turn, results in cat excessive drooling. This can be rectified by giving them medications to vomit out the object. In severe cases, they might even require surgery.
#7 Behavioral Implications
Cat drools when happy. If you have bundled up your cat for a car ride, you might have observed the drool. Cats tend to get nauseous when they are apprehensive. This manifests itself in the form of excessive drooling. When cats are being petted or hugged, they might also drool. These are generally entirely safe and have a physiological response. Cats might also drool when they are deep asleep. If your cat drooling when pet then no need to worry as it does not require any further medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
The simple answer is no. Some cats drool due to contentment or because they are used to it. However, only when it is prolonged or excessive, it becomes a cause for concern.
It is a cause for concern if your cat’s drool is tinged with blood or is accompanied by a foul smell. These are generally indicators of an existing infection within your cat’s body.
Generally, drooling is commonly seen in kittens as they are weaning off their mother’s milk. Sometimes older cats can exhibit these symptoms as well.
Usually, a cat’s drool is not dangerous for human beings. However, in case of infection, it is always recommended to keep it away from children or other pets.
The first thing would be to keep your cat under observation and keep a lookout for their body language. If they seem uncomfortable, it is a good idea to take them to the vet and get them checked out.
Conclusion
Some of the causes mentioned above can surely raise the alarm of a pet owner. However, it is imperative to remember that it might be avoided with proper diagnosis and care. The best solution in case of any abnormal symptoms would be to visit the vet and get your cat started on treatment immediately. While a bit of cat salivating might seem inconsequential, it might amount to something quite concerning in the grand scheme. Early detection could mean a world of difference regarding your feline’s health. A little bit of forethought goes a long way to ensure a healthy, happy life for your cat.