It’s quite common to observe your cat drooling sometimes, especially when they are in a state of deep relaxation like kneading their paws or purring contentedly. You might notice a bit of saliva or even tiny spit bubbles at the corners of their mouth during these peaceful moments. Stressful situations can also trigger drooling in cats. However, persistent or excessive drooling could indicate underlying health issues, ranging from exposure to toxins and dental problems to oral trauma.
Determining the reason behind your cat’s drooling involves careful observation of the context, understanding your cat’s typical behavior, and knowing when it’s necessary to consult with your veterinarian.
Normal Cat Drooling: Signs of Contentment and Relaxation
Drooling is often perfectly normal for some cats, particularly when they are kneading or purring. This type of drooling is usually linked to feelings of relaxation and contentment, stemming from their kittenhood experiences. Kittens instinctively knead their paws on their mothers during nursing to stimulate milk flow. This action becomes associated with the comfort and satisfaction of feeding and the nurturing bond with their mother. As cats mature, these feelings of comfort can trigger kneading, which, due to its connection to nursing, can then lead to drooling. Purring often accompanies both kneading and drooling, creating a trifecta of contentment.
If your otherwise healthy cat is nestled on your lap, happily “making biscuits” with their paws and purring up a storm, a bit of drool is nothing to be concerned about. In fact, this is often considered a sign of affection, a unique way your cat shows you love.
Unlike dogs, cats don’t typically drool in anticipation of food. However, it’s not entirely unheard of. If your cat only drools when they see or smell food and not at other times, it’s generally not a cause for alarm.
Stress or anxiety can also cause temporary drooling in cats. Situations like car rides, visits to the veterinarian, or loud, overwhelming events can trigger stress-induced drooling. If your cat seems to be experiencing extreme stress frequently, discussing stress management options with your vet is advisable. However, if the drooling is clearly linked to a stressful event and subsides once the stressor is removed, there’s likely no reason to worry.
When Drooling is a Concern: Abnormal Drooling in Cats
Persistent or excessive drooling, especially if it’s not related to contentment or food anticipation, could be a sign of an underlying health problem. Routine veterinary check-ups are crucial for all cats. Annual wellness exams allow your veterinarian to detect potential health issues early, even before your cat exhibits obvious symptoms.
If you notice abnormal drooling occurring between these routine vet visits, it’s important to contact your vet promptly. Your cat might need a veterinary examination. Several health conditions can lead to excessive drooling in cats and require veterinary intervention.
Potential Health Issues Causing Abnormal Drooling
Oral and Dental Disease
Cats are prone to various oral and dental problems that can develop silently and progress significantly before causing noticeable symptoms. Pain associated with these conditions is often a significant contributor to excessive drooling in cats. Common dental issues that can cause drooling include mouth ulcers, tooth injuries, gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis), resorptive lesions, and oral infections.
Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination of your cat’s mouth to identify any signs of dental or oral disease. If dental disease is diagnosed, your vet will likely recommend a professional dental cleaning procedure, which may also involve tooth extractions if necessary. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your cat’s safety and comfort. Medications, such as antibiotics, might be prescribed to treat any infections or complications related to dental and oral issues.
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Nausea and Gastrointestinal Issues
Nausea or vomiting in cats frequently leads to increased drooling. Vomiting in cats and nausea can stem from a wide range of underlying causes, including internal parasites, kidney disease, and various gastrointestinal disorders. If your cat appears nauseous, is vomiting, or shows a decrease in appetite, seeking veterinary attention is crucial.
Following a physical examination, your veterinarian may recommend laboratory tests to assess organ function, blood cell counts, and urine analysis. These diagnostic tests can help pinpoint the underlying cause of the nausea and drooling, guiding further diagnostic steps and appropriate treatment strategies.
Oral Foreign Bodies
If your cat has something lodged in their mouth, it can trigger excessive drooling. A common oral foreign body in cats is string, but other objects like parts of toys or even blades of grass can also become stuck. If you observe a string protruding from your cat’s mouth, it is crucial not to pull it out. The string might be wrapped around internal organs within the stomach or intestines, and pulling could cause serious internal damage. Instead, seek immediate veterinary care at your nearest open veterinary clinic or emergency animal hospital.
Toxin Exposure
Exposure to poisonous substances can also induce excessive salivation in cats. This can occur if your cat licks, chews on, or ingests toxins, including poisonous plants, caustic household chemicals, and toxic foods. Certain topical toxins, such as pesticides or flea and tick preventatives not specifically formulated for cats, can also cause drooling. If you suspect your cat has come into contact with a toxic substance, immediate veterinary intervention is essential.
Trauma and Injuries
Injuries to the mouth area are another potential cause of excessive drooling. Cats who chew on electrical cords may suffer oral burns that lead to drooling. Similarly, a cat that has been struck by a vehicle might sustain a jaw fracture that causes drooling. Oral injuries resulting from cat fights can also lead to increased salivation. While external signs of injury might not always be apparent, drooling in these situations is a key indicator that veterinary attention is needed.
When to See a Veterinarian for Cat Drooling
If your cat is drooling and you cannot identify an obvious, normal reason for it, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian. Cats are experts at concealing illnesses, often not showing clear signs of a problem until they are feeling significantly unwell. When in doubt about your cat’s drooling, err on the side of caution and contact your vet. Prompt veterinary advice can ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, safeguarding your cat’s health and well-being.
Bad Breath and Drooling in Cats
