Do you find yourself wondering why your feline friend is drooling more than usual? It’s not uncommon for cats to drool, but excessive drooling can be a sign of an underlying issue. In this blog post, we will dive into the various reasons why your cat may be drooling and what you can do about it. So, let’s get to the bottom of this drooling mystery and understand the reasons behind the question – why is my cat drooling?
Drooling is the production of saliva outside of the mouth. It is common for cats to produce small amounts of saliva when they are happy or relaxed, but excessive drooling can be a sign of a medical problem.
Why is my cat drooling?
Cats drool when they are happy or relaxed, which is completely normal. Other potential causes of cat drooling include dental problems, foreign objects stuck in the mouth or throat, poison ingestion, and certain medical conditions. If your cat is drooling excessively or if you notice any other unusual symptoms, it is important to consult a veterinarian to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Reasons why a cat drools?
Here is the list of reasons why your cat might drool. Some cats drool when extremely happy or relaxed, which is completely normal. Other potential causes of drooling in cats include:
Dental Problems:
Dental problems are a common cause of drooling in cats. These can cause drooling include tooth abscesses, tooth infections, and gum disease. Tooth abscesses are caused by a buildup of pus inside or in the tissue surrounding the tooth. Tooth infections are caused by bacteria that infect the tooth or the tissue surrounding the tooth. Gum is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.
If your cat is experiencing dental problems, it may also exhibit other signs such as bad breath, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and reluctance to eat. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your cat has dental problems, as untreated dental problems can lead to more serious health issues. The veterinarian will thoroughly examine your cat’s mouth and teeth and may recommend dental cleaning and other treatments as needed.
Foreign objects stuck in the mouth or throat:
If a foreign object becomes stuck in a cat’s mouth or throat, it can cause drooling and other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, gagging, or vomiting. Common foreign objects stuck in a cat’s mouth or throat include bones, string, yarn, rubber bands, and small toys.
If you suspect your cat has a foreign object stuck in their mouth or throat, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. The veterinarian will carefully examine your cat’s mouth and throat to determine the location of the foreign object and will take steps to remove it. It varies on the location and size of the object, the veterinarian may need to perform surgery to remove it.
Moreover, keeping tiny things out of reach and supervising your cat when playing with toys is important. If you notice your cat playing with a small item, it is a good idea to remove it from their possession to prevent them from swallowing it.
Poison ingestion:
If a cat ingests poison, it can cause drooling and other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Cats can be exposed to poison in various ways, including through plants, medications, chemicals, and rodents. The significant step is to seek veterinary care closely. The veterinarian will need to know the type of poison your cat ingested and the amount ingested to determine the appropriate treatment.
Treatment may include medications to induce vomiting and absorb the poison and supportive care such as fluids and electrolytes. To prevent poison ingestion, it is important to keep all medications and chemicals out of reach of your cat and to be cautious about the types of plants that you keep in your home or yard. If you use rodent poison, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and to use it in a way that is safe for your cat.
Some Medical Conditions to Drool: This can answer why is my cat drooling?
Certain medical conditions can cause a cat to drool. Some examples of medical conditions that can cause drooling in cats include:
Kidney disease:
Kidney disease is a common cause of drooling in cats. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, toxins build up in the body, which can cause a cat to drool.
Liver disease:
Liver disease can also cause a cat to drool. The liver is not working properly, and toxins build up in the body, which can cause a cat to drool.
Cancer:
Certain types of cancer, such as oral cancer, can cause a cat to drool.
If you are doubtful your cat has a medical condition causing drool, consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian will perform a thorough examination and may recommend tests such as blood work and imaging studies to help diagnose the underlying condition. Treatment will depend on the specific condition and may include medications, surgery, and supportive care.
Drooling and non-grooming cat
The combination of these two symptoms (drooling and non-grooming) can signify a medical problem. Potential causes of poor grooming and drooling in cats include dental problems, foreign objects stuck in the mouth or throat, poison ingestion, and certain medical conditions. When your cat is experiencing these symptoms, the veterinarian will thoroughly examine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Treatment may include medications, surgery, dental cleaning, and supportive care such as fluids and electrolytes. In the meantime, you can try to help your cat stay clean and comfortable by gently wiping away any excess saliva and using a damp cloth to clean their face and paws.
Signs that show your cat might be sick
Several signs may indicate that your cat is sick. Some common signs of illness in cats include:
Change in appetite:
When a cat is not eating or drinking as much as usual, it could be a sign of illness.
Change in bathroom habits:
Changes in a cat’s bathroom habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, can signify illness.
Behavior change:
When cats change behaviors, such as being lethargic, inactive, or not as social as usual, it could be a sign of illness.
Change in appearance:
If your cat’s coat is dry, matted, or has lost its luster, it could be a sign of illness.
Change in breathing:
Cat breathing rapidly or having difficulty breathing could be a sign of illness.
Change in vocalization:
If your cat is meowing more than usual or making unusual sounds, it could signify illness.
Change in body weight:
Unexpected weight loss or weight gain can signify cat illness. The earlier a medical problem is detected and treated, the better the chances of a successful outcome.
Conclusion – Why is my cat drooling?
In conclusion, drooling can be a sign of a medical problem in cats. Several potential causes of cat drooling include dental problems, foreign objects stuck in the mouth or throat, poison ingestion, and certain medical conditions. If a cat is drooling excessively or if you notice any other unusual symptoms, it is important to consult a veterinarian to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. It is also significant to be aware of the signs of illness in cats and to consult a veterinarian. If you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior, appetite, bathroom habits, appearance, breathing, vocalization, or body weight. Early detection and treatment of medical problems can improve the chances of a successful outcome.