Why Does Your Cat Drool And How Can A Veterinarian Help
Does your cat drool? Should you seek medical help from a veterinarian? If your cat salivates more than what you consider normal, take a look at what you need to know about this issue, the possible causes, and the treatment options.
What Are the Possible Causes?
Why does your cat drool? There isn't one universal answer to this question. Cats drool for several possible reasons. This makes it important to find the right cause before you attempt to treat the issue. The top culprits behind excessive cat drooling include:
- Happiness and relaxation: A drooling cat doesn't always equal a pet problem. Some cats drool when they feel comfortable, content, and completely relaxed. You may notice your cat drooling when you pet them.
- Dental disease: According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 50 to 90 percent of cats over age four have dental disease. Gingivitis and dental decay can cause your cat to drool. Even though drooling is a sign of dental disease, it typically isn't the only symptom this issue causes. If your cat has a gum or dental infection, they may also have bad breath, bloody saliva, or avoid food/have difficulty eating.
- Upper respiratory tract infection: A respiratory infection can cause drooling. This issue can also cause your cat to sneeze, stop eating or drinking as they usually would, or have nasal and eye discharge.
- Stomach issues: Nausea and gastrointestinal tract blockages can also cause your cat to drool.
Along with these possible reasons for drooling, you may notice excess salivation after a mouth or face injury. Unlike medical issues, an injury won't develop over time. If you witness the trauma, you can easily identify the cause of the drooling. Some injuries aren't as noticeable. You may need to also look for other issues, such as difficulty eating, cratches, burns, redness, or swelling.
How Can You Treat Drooling?
Diagnosis is the first step to treatment. If you don't know why your cat is drooling, make a vet appointment as soon as possible. The treatment for cat drooling:
- Varies based on the cause: If your cat drools when they're happy or relaxed, they won't need treatment. But if this problem is part of another issue (such as infection or illness), your cat may need medical treatment.
- Requires a veterinary recommendation or prescription: After the vet examines your cat they may recommend a course of action or prescribe a medication to stop an illness or reduce the symptoms.
- May also include preventative strategies: Gum and dental disease require professional-level oral care. But this isn't where the treatment ends. Your cat may also need ongoing preventative services or at-home care to stop a repeat problem before it starts.
Note all additional symptoms (besides the drooling) you notice—especially if your cat won't eat/drink, vomits, is lethargic, has bad breath, or has eye/nasal discharge.
Contact a local vet if you have additional questions.