Assessing Possible Causes of Cat Drooling and How to Treat It

Common Causes of Cat Drooling and Potential Treatments

Cat drooling is very common, but it is not always cause for concern. Drooling, or salivation, can happen for various reasons, such as responding to an enjoyable experience (e.g., food or petting), being in a relaxing state, having dental issues, illness, or injury.

Common causes of cat drooling include dental problems, nausea and indigestion, anxiety or fear, eating or playing with certain objects, and pain or discomfort. Dental problems are one of the most common causes of cat drooling. If a cat has cavities, abscesses, gum disease, or any other type of dental issue, it can cause discomfort and excessive saliva production. Nausea and digestive issues can also lead to drooling, as can anxious states caused by loud noises, changes in environment, or being in unfamiliar surroundings. Eating fabrics, strings, rubber bands, or hair ties can also cause cats to drool as they try to digest these items. Finally, pain and discomfort due to illnesses, injuries, or parasites can also lead to excessive drooling.

Treatments for cat drooling depend on the underlying cause. If the problem is dental related, then the first step should be to make an appointment with the vet to have the cat’s teeth examined and cleaned. Medications prescribed by the vet may be necessary for various ailments, such as infections and pain relief for injuries. When anxiety is causing drooling, behavioral therapies may be needed to help the cat feel more comfortable in certain situations. When an object has been eaten, an x-ray may be necessary to determine what is causing the cat distress. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the foreign body.

Diagnosing Excessive Drooling in Cats

Excessive drooling (or ptyalism) in cats is a symptom that may indicate a possible underlying disorder or health issue. The most common causes of excessive drooling in cats include oral issues such as dental disease and tooth decay, abscesses or foreign objects lodged in the gums; upper respiratory issues like tracheal collapse, laryngeal paralysis, or an obstruction in the mouth; and gastrointestinal problems such as pancreatitis, nausea or hairballs. Other possible causes can include motion sickness, anxiety, fear, pain, toxin ingestion or infection.

If your cat is drooling excessively, it’s important to contact your veterinarian for an evaluation. Your vet will perform a physical exam and likely recommend some lab testing and diagnostic imaging studies in order to rule out or diagnose the underlying cause of your cat’s excessive drooling. Treatment for the condition depends on the exact diagnosis and may include antibiotics or steroids for an infection, medications for motion sickness or nausea, dietary changes and supplements for GI issues, supplemental oxygen therapy for tracheal collapse, and surgical removal of foreign objects or other treatment options.

How to Assess the Severity of Cat Drooling

When assessing the severity of cat drooling, it’s important to observe how much saliva is present, how often and regular the drooling is, the cat’s behavior when it’s drooling, and any other accompanying symptoms. Mild drooling can usually be managed by keeping their area clean and avoiding extreme temperatures, while more severe cases may require further investigation and treatment from a veterinarian.

Light/moderate drooling, like when your cat is drinking or eating, is considered a normal occurrence and should not cause concern. However, if you notice an excessive amount of saliva or continuous drooling in your cat for no apparent reason, then you should take a closer look. If your cat is also acting differently, such as being unusually tired or showing signs of discomfort or pain, then this is likely a sign that something is wrong and you should have them checked out.

In addition to looking for other signs, it’s important to assess the type of fluids that the cat is drooling. Clear fluids indicate healthy saliva production, while foamy, bloody, purulent, or viscous drool could indicate a more serious underlying issue. Color changes in the drool — like yellow or green — could also suggest infection or sickness.

Finally, tracking how long the drooling has been going on is essential in determining its severity. It can be helpful to talk to your vet if the drooling has been going on for more than a few days, especially if there are any associated symptoms. In some cases, this might just be a minor issue that requires simple care, but it’s always best to have a professional make a diagnosis before attempting to treat yourself.

Determining Potential Causes of Cat Drooling and Identifying Appropriate Treatments

Cat drooling is an often confusing symptom that can have a variety of causes. So it’s important to understand the potential root causes and available treatments before taking any action.

There are many potential causes for why a cat might be drooling. Common ones include ingestion of a toxic substance or plant, dental or oral diseases, or even heat stroke. Additionally, some cats may drool due to provocation. Excitement, fear, or changes in routine can all trigger drooling.

Your first step should be to locate the cause. Have you recently introduced any new plants or foods into your home? Is the cat displaying other signs of poisoning or sickness? If there’s a chance of toxicity, search for common household items that are poisonous to cats, these can range from household cleaners to plants like lilies. Your vet can offer you advice about this as well.

If you find that the drooling isn’t caused by poisoning, continue with the workup. Check your cat’s mouth for signs of dental issues, mouth injury, tumors, or foreign objects stuck in the teeth. Your vet can tell if further assessment is needed.

Finally, consider the possibility that the drooling is associated with excitement or fear. If the drooling is mild, then simply try maintaining a calm and predictable environment for the cat. You can also give them a blanket or space they feel safe and comfortable in.

Once you’ve determined the cause, appropriate treatments can be distributed. Treatments vary depending on the exact cause, but range from removing a toxic object to medications prescribed by your vet. On rare cases, surgery may be required to treat complicated medical issues causing drooling. In all cases, the safety of your cat is of utmost importance.