It’s not uncommon to observe your feline friend drooling occasionally, and in many instances, it’s a perfectly normal cat behavior. You might notice your kitty drooling while they’re deeply relaxed, perhaps kneading their paws or purring contentedly on your lap. However, excessive drooling in cats can also be a sign of an underlying health issue that requires attention. Understanding the reasons behind cat drooling, differentiating between normal and abnormal instances, and knowing when to seek veterinary advice is crucial for every cat owner.
Normal Cat Drooling: Signs of Contentment and Relaxation
Just like humans, cats produce saliva to aid digestion and keep their mouths moist. Normal drooling in cats is often associated with feelings of pleasure and relaxation. This type of drooling is usually nothing to worry about and can be quite endearing.
Drooling When Kneading and Purring
One of the most common scenarios where you might witness normal cat drooling is when your cat is kneading or purring. This behavior often stems from their kittenhood. When kittens nurse, they instinctively knead around their mother’s teats to stimulate milk flow. This action becomes linked with the comfort and satisfaction of feeding and the nurturing bond with their mother.
As cats grow into adulthood, these feelings of comfort and contentment can resurface during kneading. This action can trigger drooling due to the association with nursing and early comfort. Purring often accompanies kneading, further enhancing the relaxed state and making drooling more likely.
If your cat is happily settled on your lap, “making biscuits” with their paws, and purring like a motor, a bit of drool is perfectly normal. In fact, it can be considered a sign of affection and deep relaxation towards you.
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Drooling at the Sight of Food
While not as common as in dogs, some cats may drool in anticipation of food. If you notice your cat drooling only when they see or smell their favorite meal and not at other times, it’s generally not a cause for concern. This is simply a physiological response to the anticipation of eating, preparing their digestive system for food intake.
Stress-Related Drooling: Temporary and Short-Lived
Stress or fear can also trigger temporary drooling in cats. Situations like car rides, visits to the veterinarian, or loud, unfamiliar events can induce stress and lead to drooling. This type of drooling is usually short-lived and subsides once the stressful situation is over.
If your cat only drools during these specific events and the drooling stops shortly after, it’s likely just a stress response and not a sign of a health problem. However, if your cat seems excessively stressed regularly, it’s worth discussing stress management techniques with your veterinarian to improve their overall well-being.
When Drooling Becomes a Concern: Abnormal Drooling in Cats
While occasional drooling is normal, persistent or excessive drooling, especially when not associated with contentment, food, or temporary stress, can indicate an underlying health issue. Abnormal drooling warrants closer attention and possibly a veterinary consultation.
It’s important to remember that routine veterinary wellness exams are crucial for all cats, even seemingly healthy ones. Annual check-ups allow veterinarians to detect potential problems early on, sometimes before your cat shows obvious signs.
If you observe abnormal drooling between routine vet visits, it’s advisable to contact your veterinarian promptly. Several health problems can manifest as excessive drooling in cats and require veterinary intervention.
Oral and Dental Disease: A Common Culprit
Dental and oral diseases are frequent causes of abnormal drooling in cats. Cats can develop various dental problems, such as mouth ulcers, tooth injuries, gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), resorptive lesions, and oral infections. These conditions can be painful and often lead to increased salivation.
If your cat is drooling excessively, especially if accompanied by bad breath, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty eating, dental disease should be considered.
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination of your cat’s mouth to check for signs of dental and oral issues. If dental disease is diagnosed, professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia is often recommended. Tooth extractions may also be necessary in some cases. Medications like antibiotics or pain relievers may be prescribed to manage infection and discomfort.
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Nausea: Drooling as a Sign of Upset Stomach
Nausea is another significant cause of excessive drooling in cats. A cat feeling nauseous, perhaps due to motion sickness, dietary indiscretion, or underlying medical conditions, will often drool more than usual. Nausea and vomiting in cats can be triggered by various factors, including internal parasites, kidney disease, gastrointestinal issues, or pancreatitis.
If your cat is drooling excessively and also exhibiting signs of nausea, such as vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, or hiding, a veterinary visit is warranted.
After a physical examination, your veterinarian may recommend blood tests, urine tests, or other diagnostic procedures to investigate the underlying cause of nausea and drooling. Treatment will depend on the identified cause and may include medications to control nausea, manage the underlying condition, or supportive care.
Foreign Body in the Mouth: Immediate Veterinary Attention Needed
If your cat has something lodged in their mouth, it can cause irritation and excessive drooling. Common oral foreign bodies in cats include string, yarn, small toy parts, bones, or plant material. A foreign body can get stuck between teeth, lodged in the gums, or even wrapped around the tongue.
If you suspect your cat has something stuck in their mouth, do not attempt to remove it yourself, especially if it’s string or yarn. Pulling on a string can cause serious internal damage if it’s anchored further down in the digestive tract. Instead, seek immediate veterinary attention. Your vet can safely remove the foreign body and assess for any potential damage.
Toxin Exposure: A Veterinary Emergency
Exposure to toxins is a serious cause of excessive drooling in cats and requires immediate veterinary intervention. Cats can be exposed to toxins by licking, chewing on, or ingesting poisonous substances. Common culprits include poisonous plants, household cleaners, pesticides, certain medications, and toxic foods. Some topical flea and tick preventatives designed for dogs can also be toxic to cats and cause drooling if ingested or if the cat grooms the application site.
If you suspect your cat has been exposed to any toxic substance, even if you are unsure, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Bring any suspected toxins with you if possible to help with diagnosis and treatment.
Trauma to the Mouth: Injuries Leading to Drooling
Injuries to the mouth can also result in excessive salivation. Cats who chew on electrical cords may suffer oral burns that lead to drooling. Trauma from car accidents, falls, or cat fights can cause injuries to the mouth, such as jaw fractures, lacerations, or punctures, which can manifest as drooling.
Even if external signs of injury are not immediately apparent, unexplained drooling, especially after a potential trauma, should prompt a veterinary visit to rule out any underlying injuries.
When to See a Veterinarian for Cat Drooling
While some instances of cat drooling are perfectly normal, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your cat’s health. If you notice any of the following along with drooling, it is recommended to consult with your veterinarian:
- Sudden onset of excessive drooling: Especially if it’s not related to contentment, food, or stress.
- Changes in drool consistency or color: Blood-tinged, thick, or foul-smelling drool.
- Accompanying symptoms: Bad breath, pawing at the mouth, difficulty eating, loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, changes in behavior.
- Suspected toxin exposure or trauma.
- Persistent drooling: Drooling that continues for an extended period without an obvious reason.
Cats are masters at concealing illness, and they often don’t show obvious signs of being unwell until they are quite sick. When in doubt about your cat’s drooling, it’s always best to contact your veterinarian for guidance. Early detection and treatment of any underlying health issues can significantly improve your cat’s health and well-being.
