As a cat owner, you never want there to be any sort of health issues that can take your little bundle of joy away from you. They are your pride and joy, your cuddle buddy, the little furry friend you come home to after a long day. It's your job, and your honor, to take care of them.
Being a cat owner means you need to consider a lot at all times. You need to be sure of how they are feeling, how healthy they are, and any sort of stressful situation that may require you to call up your doctor and schedule a vet visit as soon as possible.
One of the things that you need to pay special attention to is any underlying issue that may signify gum disease or dental disease of any kind. That means you need to know what normal drooling and abnormal drooling in a cat look like.
Cats are usually known for their attentive grooming habits and poised demeanor, but there are moments when a cat might exhibit behaviors that seem out of character, such as drooling.
On the surface, cat drooling might look unusual or even concerning, especially for those who are accustomed to seeing dogs drool rather than cats. However, drooling in cats can be attributed to a variety of reasons, ranging from benign and harmless to serious and require immediate veterinary attention. Knowing the ins and outs and underlying causes of drooling in cats can help pet owners better care for their feline companions and ensure their well-being.
Cat Drooling 101
The Good of Cat Drooling
One of the most common and innocent reasons that a cat might drool is simply due to being relaxed. That is right: a cat might get messy when it's happy but this is a good thing...even if it requires that you commit to a bit of cleanup.
Cats are creatures of comfort, and when they are in a state of pure bliss, such as when they are being petted or are lounging in a favorite sunny spot, they may drool slightly. This type of drooling is often referred to as "happy drooling" and doesn't need any medical attention. In many ways, it is akin to a human sighing in contentment.
The act of purring, which is another sign of a happy and relaxed cat, sometimes stimulates the salivary glands which will also lead to a small amount of drool. As you can imagine, this is usually nothing to be concerned or worry about. It is simply a sign that your cat is feeling at ease and happy at the moment. So, many times, a drooling cat is a reason for you to smile because you are doing a good job of making them feel at peace and at home.
The Bad of Cat Drooling
However, not all drooling is a sign of happiness. In some cases, cat drooling can be a symptom of oral or dental issues.
Cats, like humans, often suffer from a variety of dental problems, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and oral infections. These conditions can cause pain and inflammation in the mouth, leading to excessive drooling. If a cat has a sore tooth or an abscess, they may drool as a response to the discomfort.
Plus, cats with dental issues might also exhibit other symptoms, such as difficulty eating, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, or a reluctance to groom themselves. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings by a veterinarian can help prevent these issues and ensure that your cat's mouth remains healthy.
Another potential cause of drooling in cats is the presence of a foreign object lodged in the mouth or throat. We all know that cats are curious by nature and may sometimes chew on or swallow objects that can become stuck in their mouths. Items such as string, small toys, bones, or even pieces of plants can become trapped, causing irritation and excessive salivation.
In some cases, this foreign object may be spotted when you give your cat a closer inspection, open its mouth, and look around. But in other cases, it may be lodged in a less accessible area, requiring veterinary intervention to remove it safely. If you think that your cat perhaps has something stuck in their mouth or throat, it is crucial that you seek medical care promptly to prevent further complications.
What to Look For
You don’t want your little cuddly buddy to ever ingest something that is bad for them but, unfortunately, there are dangers lurking in the world that could make them very sick. It’s worth noting that toxins and poisoning could be another cause of cat drooling, and, obviously, it’s something you need to pay very close attention to because it will require a rush to the emergency room as quickly as possible.
Like humans, all cats are highly sensitive to certain substances, and exposure to toxic plants, chemicals, or medications can lead to drooling as one of the initial symptoms. Common household items such as lilies, antifreeze, certain essential oils, and human medications like acetaminophen can be extremely toxic to cats. Ingesting these substances can cause irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, leading to excessive drooling, vomiting, and other signs of distress.
If you suspect that your cat has been exposed to a toxin, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control center immediately. Quick action can make a significant difference in the outcome for your cat.
Gastrointestinal issues can also lead to drooling in cats. Just like humans might salivate excessively before they vomit, cats may also drool when they are feeling nauseous or under the weather. There are numerous causes of an upset stomach in cats, such as motion sickness, eating something that disagrees with them, or more serious conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, or pancreatitis. In addition to drooling, a nauseous cat might also exhibit signs such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or changes in behavior.
If your cat is drooling and showing other troubling signs of illness, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Respiratory infections and other illnesses can also contribute to drooling in cats. Upper respiratory infections, which are fairly common in cats, can provoke symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, and congestion.
In some cases, the infection can extend to the mouth and throat, leading to inflammation and salivation. On top of that, conditions such as feline calicivirus or feline herpesvirus can cause oral ulcers, which can be painful and lead to drooling.
Other illnesses, such as kidney disease or diabetes, can also cause drooling as a secondary symptom. In these cases, drooling is often accompanied by other signs of illness, such as weight loss, loss of appetite, changes in appetite, or increased thirst and urination. An in-depth and attentive veterinary exam is mandatory when it comes to diagnosing and treating these conditions quickly and effectively.
Stress & Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can also play a role in causing a cat to drool. While cats are often seen as independent and self-assured, they can be sensitive to changes in their environment or routine. Events such as moving to a new home, the introduction of a new pet or family member, or even a visit to the veterinarian can cause stress and anxiety in some cats. In response to stress, a cat may drool excessively, particularly if they are also panting or showing other signs of distress. Providing a calm and stable environment, along with plenty of hiding spots and opportunities for your cat to retreat, can help alleviate stress-related drooling. In some cases, behavioral modification techniques or the use of pheromone diffusers may also be beneficial.
Unfortunately, drooling in cats can be a sign of a neurological issue. Conditions such as seizures, nerve damage, or tumors affecting the brain or nervous system can lead to drooling as one of the symptoms. Neurological causes of drooling are often accompanied by other signs, such as changes in behavior, difficulty walking, or abnormal movements.
If you think that your cat's drooling is related to a neurological problem, it is obviously essential that you pick up the phone quickly and seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Diagnostic tests such as blood work, imaging, or a spinal tap, might end up being necessary to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Different Cats, Different Signs
It is also worth noting that some cats may drool more than others due to specific and unique differences in anatomy or physiology. What does that mean? Well, for example, all cats are different, and some breeds may be more prone to drooling due to the structure of their mouths and jaws.
On top of that, some cats might just have more active salivary glands than others, leading to occasional drooling even in the absence of any underlying health issues. If your cat has always been a bit of a drooler and there are no other concerning symptoms, it may simply be a quirk of their individual physiology, which means it's nothing to worry about. Of course, you won't be sure of that without conferring with your vet, so it's important that they get a good look at them.
While drooling in cats can sometimes be a sign of a serious health issue, it can also be a completely normal and harmless behavior. Understanding the potential causes of drooling in cats, from contentment and relaxation to dental problems, toxins, nausea, respiratory infections, stress, and neurological issues, can help pet owners determine when drooling is a cause for concern and when it is simply a sign of a happy and relaxed feline. Regular veterinary check-ups, a close eye on any changes in behavior or health, and quick attention to any signs of illness are vital when it comes to ensuring that your cat remains healthy and happy. By being attentive to your cat, you can give them the best possible care and enjoy many years of companionship together.
