Why Is My Cat Drooling?

by Warlax

Jan 3, 2024

Cat

When your feline friend begins to dribble, it’s not a sign of them developing a sudden appreciation for basketball. No, when a cat’s drool starts to resemble the flow of a leaky faucet, it’s time to sit up and pay attention. Dismiss the image of a drooling Saint Bernard because when it comes to cats, excessive salivation is no laughing matter. It’s a sign that could range from the benign to the alarming, an indicator that they’re kneading into a blissful state or a red flag that something is amiss in their delicate inner workings.

Understanding Cat Drooling

By reading this article, you will learn:
– Causes of thick saliva in cats
– Symptoms and diagnosis of drooling in cats
– Treatment and prevention of cat drooling

What Is Drooling?

First things first, let’s define our terms. Drooling is the act of saliva flowing outside of the mouth, which, in cats, should occur as frequently as a blue moon. These creatures are the epitomes of poise and self-cleansing, so when they start to drool thick saliva, it’s a signal that warrants your full, undivided attention.

What Causes Drooling in Cats?

In my years of feline companionship, I’ve seen a range of causes for drooling. What follows is not just a list of possibilities, but a dossier of personal encounters and professional findings that will guide you through the drool-drenched mysteries of your cat’s mouth.

1. Dental Disease

Imagine the throbbing pain of a toothache, then picture not being able to tell anyone about it. That’s the silent agony of dental disease in cats. It’s common, it’s painful, and yes, it’ll have them drooling like a leaky faucet. Gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption are the usual suspects here, and they don’t show mercy.

2. Oral Ulcers

Oral ulcers are like the potholes of the mouth – painful, unavoidable, and disruptive. They can be a standalone nightmare or a symptom of something more sinister, like kidney disease or viral infections. Either way, they’ll have your cat salivating excessively.

3. Foreign Bodies

Cats are curious creatures, and sometimes that curiosity leaves them with an unwanted souvenir lodged in their throat or teeth. A piece of string or a bone can cause immediate discomfort and trigger a drooling response as their body tries to dislodge the intruder.

4. Nausea

Just like us, when cats feel like they’re on the verge of losing their lunch, their salivary glands kick into overdrive. Whether it’s motion sickness or an adverse reaction to medication, nausea will have them drooling more than the thought of a fresh can of tuna.

5. Heatstroke

Cats are desert animals by ancestry, but even they have their limits. Overheating can cause them to pant and drool in an attempt to cool down. It’s a rare sight, but one that should be taken seriously as heatstroke is a silent killer.

6. Poisoning

This is every pet owner’s nightmare. Ingesting toxins can cause a cat to drool excessively as their body attempts to rid itself of the poison. Whether it’s a toxic plant or a chemical spill, time is of the essence to reverse the effects.

7. Oral Tumors

A growth in the mouth can interfere with normal saliva swallowing, leading to a build-up that spills over as drool. Oral tumors can be benign or malignant, but they all share the common trait of causing drooling.

8. Neurological Disorders

Lastly, conditions that affect the nervous system can disrupt a cat’s ability to manage their saliva. It’s like having a faucet with a faulty handle – the drool just keeps coming.

Real-life Case Study: Lily’s Dental Disease

Lily, a 7-year-old tabby cat, started drooling excessively, and her owner, Sarah, became concerned. After doing some research, Sarah learned that drooling in cats could be a sign of dental disease. She noticed that Lily had bad breath and seemed to be avoiding her dry food.

Sarah took Lily to the vet, where they discovered that Lily had severe tartar buildup and gingivitis, causing her to drool. The vet performed a dental cleaning and extracted a couple of infected teeth. After the treatment, Lily’s drooling significantly reduced, and she was back to her happy, healthy self.

This real-life case illustrates how dental disease can manifest as drooling in cats and the importance of seeking veterinary care to address the underlying issue.

What Are the Symptoms of Drooling in Cats?

Drooling may be the headline act, but it’s often part of a broader ensemble of symptoms. Bad breath, loss of appetite, pawing at the mouth, and changes in behavior are the supporting cast that indicates your cat needs a vet, and fast.

How Is Drooling Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a thorough interrogation of your cat’s mouth, which, trust me, is easier said than done. Blood tests, X-rays, and even ultrasounds may follow, as your vet plays detective to get to the root of the problem.

How Is Drooling Treated?

Treatment is as varied as the causes. From antibiotics for infections to surgery for removing foreign bodies or tumors, the approach is tailored to the offender. And while some treatments are straightforward, others may require a more complex game plan.

Can I Prevent My Cat From Drooling?

While you can’t shield your cat from every drool-inducing scenario, routine dental care and keeping a vigilant eye on their environment for potential toxins can reduce the risk. Think of it as drool-proofing your home.

When to See a Vet

The moment your cat’s drool becomes more than an occasional dot on your lap, it’s time to seek professional help. Timeliness can be the difference between a simple fix and a life-threatening situation.

In conclusion, the question “Why is my cat drooling thick saliva?” can have a multitude of answers. As a pet owner, your role is to observe, act, and provide the care that these silent sufferers need. Don’t wait for the drool to dry up; be proactive, and keep your feline friend healthy and as poised as they were born to be.