Cats drool when kneading or purring because they are so relaxed. When your cat is stressed or fearful, you may notice some saliva and spit bubbles just on the side of their mouth. Nonetheless, there are medical reasons for cat drooling, such as chemical exposure, dental problems, or oral injuries. Assessing the problem, understanding your cat, and contacting your veterinarian as needed are the keys to determining the cause.
Is cat drooling normal?
Drooling by cats when they're happy and calm, such as when being handled, is normal behavior. These cats typically develop this propensity early in life; thus, it would be unusual for an older cat to suddenly begin drooling if it had not previously. If this happens, consult your veterinarian about your cat's unusual drooling. So, how can you distinguish between typical cat drool or saliva that indicates a problem?
1 - Ingestion of harmful substances
Toxin intake might result in acute, unexpected drooling in cats. This occurs if your cat consumes anything poisonous to herself, such as household cleaners, plants, or even certain kinds of human foods. This can also occur if your cat attempts to ingest a foreign object that becomes caught in her throat or mouth. If you know or think that your cat has consumed a toxin or swallowed a foreign object, take her to an emergency veterinarian immediately.
2 - Anxiety
Anxiety is characterized by open-mouth panting and gasping. Drooling might be caused by tension in your cat. Their tension could be caused by a variety of factors. If this occurs when you place them inside the vehicle to transport them to the vet, try and put them in the back seat in their carrier without driving anywhere. Gradually work your way up to pulling out of your driveway, then drive all around the block. Repeat this routine whenever needed to relieve their stress. Before you go, throw a breathable fabric over the carrier to keep them calm.
3 - Teeth decay and mouth disease
Drooling in cats is frequently caused by mouth disease and tooth decay. Tartar buildup within your cat's mouth can cause irritation, pain, and stink. Gently pull the cat's lip back while looking at their teeth to check for this. If their teeth are brown or possess a rocky texture, or if their gums are red and bleeding, then you should get them evaluated by your veterinarian since they may require treatment such as a scale and polish.
4 - Cats Suffering from Heatstroke
As one of the first symptoms of heatstroke, acute, profuse cat drooling may occur. This symptom appears when cats become dehydrated due to overheating. It is frequently accompanied by other heatstroke symptoms such as panting and an accelerated heart rate. Cats are susceptible to heat exhaustion when left out on extremely hot days or when left in an empty vehicle on even the mildest of days. If you suspect your cat is struggling from heatstroke, even if it is mild, take her to an emergency veterinarian immediately. She will require intravenous fluids to fully recover from this terrible, life-threatening condition.
5 - Infectious disease
Although rabies-infected cats do not salivate excessively, they can't swallow and hence drool. Stomatitis can be caused by other diseases such as calicivirus, feline leukemia, and the human immunodeficiency virus, and because the diseased mouth is uncomfortable, cats salivate more.
6 - Foreign substances and cat drool
A foreign body may occasionally induce excessive drooling. A blade of grass, a knitting needle, or a tiny fish bone may be swallowed by a cat and become trapped inside the mouth or esophagus. They might paw at their lips or attempt to vomit, but the basic truth is that swallowing is painful for the cat, and they will not swallow regularly.
7 - Nausea
Toxin exposure and organ dysfunction can cause nausea, which can lead to drooling. You can, however, take precautions to keep your cat from acquiring one: Keep them vaccinated, indoors, and apart from those other pets, so wash your hands after handling different animals.
8 - Sniffing again and again
Some cats that smell something powerful may drool slightly after repeatedly inhaling the same smell. If you obtain a new cat and your old cat devotes considerable time to smelling its litter box when the new cat uses it, your existing cat may drool significantly for a few minutes thereafter. If the cat's excessive drooling seems to occur only when she smells an unpleasant odor and disappears within a couple of minutes, there's no cause for alarm. She is acting properly, and you do not need to take her to the usual or emergency clinic for this behavior.
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