It’s not uncommon to observe your feline friend drooling in certain situations. Cat drooling, or ptyalism, can be a normal physiological response under specific circumstances, such as when they are deeply relaxed and content, like during kneading or purring sessions. You might even notice a bit of saliva or bubbly spit around their mouth when they are feeling stressed or anxious. However, excessive or unexplained cat drooling can also be indicative of underlying health issues ranging from minor to severe. These can include exposure to toxins, dental problems, or injuries to the mouth.
Determining the cause of your cat’s slobbering involves careful observation of the context, understanding your cat’s typical behaviors, and knowing when it’s necessary to seek professional veterinary advice.
Normal Cat Drooling: When is Slobbering Okay?
For many cats, drooling is perfectly normal and often linked to feelings of pleasure and relaxation. This behavior can frequently be traced back to their kittenhood experiences.
Drooling from Contentment and Relaxation
When kittens are nursing, they instinctively knead around their mother’s mammary glands to stimulate milk flow. This action is associated with comfort and satisfaction, creating a nurturing bond between the kitten and mother. As cats mature, these feelings of contentment can persist, leading to kneading behavior, often referred to as “making biscuits,” in adult cats. This kneading, linked to the early nursing experience, can trigger drooling. Purring, another sign of feline contentment, frequently accompanies kneading and drooling, further reinforcing the connection to relaxed states.
If your cat is comfortably nestled in your lap, kneading rhythmically and purring contentedly, a bit of drool is usually nothing to worry about. In fact, this drooling can be interpreted as a sign of affection and trust towards you.
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Anticipatory Drooling for Food (Less Common in Cats)
Unlike dogs, cats are not typically known for drooling excessively at the mere sight or smell of food. However, it’s not entirely impossible. Some cats might exhibit mild drooling when they anticipate a meal or are presented with a particularly enticing treat. If the drooling is solely food-related and doesn’t occur at other times, it’s generally considered normal and not a cause for alarm.
Stress-Induced Drooling: A Temporary Reaction
Stress or fear can also induce temporary drooling in cats. Situations like car rides, visits to the veterinarian, or exposure to loud, unfamiliar noises can trigger a stress response that manifests as drooling. If your cat experiences drooling only during these stressful events and it subsides once the stressor is removed, it’s likely a normal reaction. However, if your cat seems to be under significant stress frequently, it’s wise to consult with your veterinarian to explore stress management strategies. If the drooling associated with stress is short-lived and resolves on its own, there’s usually no need for concern.
Abnormal Drooling in Cats: When to Be Concerned
Persistent, excessive, or unexplained drooling in cats, especially if it’s not linked to contentment, food, or temporary stress, may indicate an underlying health problem. It’s crucial to remember that routine veterinary wellness exams are essential for all cats, ideally at least once a year, even if they appear healthy. These check-ups allow veterinarians to detect potential health issues early, often before your cat exhibits obvious symptoms.
If you observe abnormal drooling between scheduled vet visits, it’s important to contact your veterinarian promptly. An examination may be necessary to diagnose the cause of the excessive salivation. Several health conditions can lead to abnormal drooling in cats, requiring veterinary intervention.
Oral and Dental Disease: A Major Cause of Drooling
Dental and oral health issues are common culprits behind excessive drooling in cats. Many cats develop dental problems that can progress unnoticed until they cause significant pain or illness. This pain is a frequent trigger for increased salivation. Conditions like mouth ulcers, broken or fractured teeth, gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease), feline resorptive lesions, and oral infections can all lead to drooling in cats.
A thorough oral examination by your veterinarian is crucial to identify any dental or oral issues. If dental disease is diagnosed, your vet will likely recommend a professional dental cleaning, often including dental X-rays and possibly tooth extractions if necessary. These procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure the cat’s comfort and safety. Medications, such as antibiotics or pain relievers, may also be prescribed to manage infection and discomfort associated with dental and oral problems.
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Nausea and Gastrointestinal Issues
If your cat is experiencing nausea or vomiting, excessive drooling is a common symptom. Nausea and vomiting in cats can stem from various causes, including internal parasites, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, pancreatitis, or even dietary indiscretions. If you notice your cat drooling excessively along with signs of nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or lethargy, it’s essential to seek veterinary attention.
Following a physical examination, your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis, or fecal analysis to assess organ function, identify infections, or rule out underlying systemic diseases. These tests help determine the underlying cause of the nausea and guide appropriate treatment strategies.
Foreign Bodies in the Mouth: Obstructions and Irritation
The presence of a foreign object lodged in a cat’s mouth can cause significant drooling. String or thread is a notorious offender, but other items like small toy parts, plant material, or bones can also become trapped. If you observe string or thread protruding from your cat’s mouth, do not attempt to pull it out. Pulling could cause serious internal damage if the string is wrapped around internal organs. Instead, seek immediate veterinary attention at your regular vet or the nearest emergency animal clinic.
Toxin Exposure: Poisoning and Salivation
Exposure to toxic substances can trigger excessive salivation in cats. This can occur if a cat licks, chews on, or ingests poisonous plants, caustic household chemicals, or toxic foods. Certain topical toxins, such as some insecticides or flea and tick preventatives not specifically formulated for cats, can also induce drooling. If you suspect your cat has come into contact with a toxic substance, immediate veterinary intervention is crucial. Bring your cat to the nearest open veterinary clinic or emergency facility without delay, and if possible, bring the suspected toxin with you for identification.
Trauma and Injuries to the Mouth
Injuries to the mouth or oral cavity are another potential cause of excessive drooling. Cats who chew on electrical cords may suffer oral burns leading to increased salivation. Traumatic injuries, such as a broken jaw from being hit by a car, or bite wounds from cat fights can also result in drooling. Even if external signs of injury are not immediately apparent, unexplained drooling after a potential trauma warrants a veterinary examination to rule out underlying injuries.
Conclusion: When in Doubt, Consult Your Veterinarian
If your cat is drooling and you cannot identify a normal reason, such as contentment or a fleeting stressful situation, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian. Cats are adept at masking illness, and they may not exhibit obvious signs of discomfort until they are quite unwell. When it comes to your cat’s health, it’s always wiser to seek professional advice rather than waiting. Prompt veterinary consultation can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, ensuring the best possible outcome for your feline companion.
If you are also concerned about bad breath in addition to drooling, this could be another indicator of underlying dental or health issues, and should also be discussed with your vet.
