The cat drooling may not seem harmful to begin with. Actually, most people who own pets tease their pets by saying they are behaving like a small, fluffy St. Bernard. But this is how it is with cats; the truth is that they are not natural droolers. When a cat may even begin to drip with saliva, particularly out of the blue, then it is their way of telling you that something is not going on fine. And since their human is the one who feeds them, snuggles them, spoils them, and likely excessively treats them, it is your duty to listen to that message.
This is not, of course, to say that you should panic. Other cats can be a bit droolers when they are highly relaxed, such as when they are kneading or purring during a good time of bonding. You can imagine it as their form of melting into comfort; it is much like us sighing after a hard day.
Is Cat Drooling Normal?
Cat drooling occupies an awkward halfway place. It is normal sometimes, or it is a red flag that is waving just in front of you. The thing is to guess what type of drooling you have to deal with. Cats do not roam around with their mouths half open like dogs and spit streaming down like a waterfall. When they begin to drip, therefore, it is normally something that is creating that kind of response-good or bad.
At times, drooling may be quite normal. Indicatively, a large number of cats produce saliva when they are strongly relaxed. Remember those good old days when your cat is licking your blanket (or your belly), purring in your face, and putting their eyes in a state of complete satisfaction.
Normal Causes of Cat Drooling
This may seem to be a relatively simple symptom on the surface, but under that particular symptom, there are dozens of possible causes. Imagine drooling over the dashboard signal. The light does not inform you of the precise issue, but it informs you that something is happening under the hood. And with cats, the something can be as innocent as that, or an emergency. This is why it is better to know the triggers that are the most common so as to reduce things to a minimum and then know what to do next.
Oral discomfort is one of the largest categories of causes of drooling. Cats are stoic animals; they conceal pain very well. However, the mouth is one of the many places where they can conceal discomfort, and thus drooling is their automatic sign.
Dental Problems
One of the most prevalent and most neglected causes of cat drooling is dental problems. Contrary to dogs, which tend to express the presence of any form of oral discomfort, cats are experts at concealing pain. Until the problem is so severe that it can be concealed, they silently accept it. When a cat begins to drool due to pain in the gums, the problem is, as a rule, advanced and even critical. It is why it is vital to learn about the role of dental issues in causing drooling as a cat owner.
Tooth decay is one of the greatest dental offenders. Cavities can be developed by cats, though these are not the same type that human beings develop. The tooth is attacked by feline cavities, known as resorptive lesions. They are very, very sore, and most cats will use either the drooling method, the not wanting to eat, or they chew on one side.
Nausea & Stomach Issues
One of the most common and most confusing causes is the nausea that causes cats to start drooling. Most of the owners are unaware of the fact that cats respond to nausea almost in the same manner humans do: the mouth is filled with saliva as the body anticipates potential vomiting. Since cats are unable to explain to you, Hey, my stomach feels awful, their drool then becomes the cue. And when you know how stomach problems present themselves, you will begin to see the signs early on, before it is too late.
Motion sickness is one of the biggest causes of nausea. Other cats just cannot ride in the cars, even when the journey is short. Their inner ear finds it difficult to balance the movement, and the body reacts by producing a large amount of saliva. Lip licking, wide-eyed restlessness, or meowing usually accompany drooling.
Infections of the Upper Respiratory Tract
Another common cause of cats beginning to drool is upper respiratory infections (also known as URIs). They are extremely widespread infections, particularly in kittens, cats in shelters, and cats that roam and are in contact with other cats. A cat does not simply have a cat cold when it has a URI. It is known to attack several systems simultaneously. It includes the nose, throat, eyes, and even the mouth. And in cases where the mouth or throat is irritated, there will be virtually no doubt that some drooling will ensue.
Difficulty in swallowing is one of the leading causes of URIs to bring about drooling. When the throat of a cat is red or swollen, then every swallow is unpleasant. The cat does not swallow the food, but holds the saliva in the mouth until it spills over.
Nasal congestion is another determinant. Cats mostly use their sense of smell to eat, roam around, and feel safe. It causes them to start breathing with their mouth when they are blocked in the nose, something they do not feel comfortable doing. Mouth breathing causes the oral tissues to dry up, sheets off irritation, and saliva production goes up.
In most cases, URIs are accompanied by mouth ulcers, particularly when the infection is due to feline calicivirus. These ulcers are painful and may leave the tongue, lips, or gums sore. In case the mouth is painful, the drool is built up as a protective mechanism, almost trying to calm the offense.
Foreign Objects in the Mouth
A cat that has a foreign object in its mouth would immediately, heavily, and usually frantically start to drool, and this is one of the occasions where close attention can be of great essence. The nature of cats is to be curious, always nibbling and chewing, biting and testing with their mouths. This curiosity causes them to put things in between their teeth, under the tongue, or even on the back of their throat. When this occurs, drooling is the most prominent and clear indication of the same.
String-like objects are one of the most widespread culprits. This involves sewing thread, yarn, shoelaces, ribbon, fishing line, and even the fine strands of the cat toys. Cats have a feeling of chewing up string as it is interesting on their tongue.
Toxic Exposure
One of the most devastating causes of the sudden drooling condition of cats is toxic exposure. When a cat is exposed to or licks or eats a poisonous material, the body responds immediately. In many cases, it responds by secretion large quantities of saliva to rinse the poison away. This drooling is normally thick, foamy, or excessive, and it is often accompanied by swiftness of behavioral change. Time is the essence of things as long as you suspect being poisoned.
Household chemicals are one of the most frequent toxic exposure sources. Wipe cleaners, cleaning pods, floor cleaners, and bleach may all be dangerous. Cats walk over treated surfaces, and thereafter groom themselves, consuming the leftover.
Stress, Anxiety, and Overstimulation
Stress and anxiety may not be the initial idea that will come to mind when you see your cat drooling, but emotional stimuli have the power to trigger sudden salivation. Cats are the most sensitive of the animals; they are more sensitive to sound, smell, movement, and change of their surroundings than we are. Once their emotions take over, their bodies respond with physical responses, and one of the more unexpected responses is drooling.
Have you ever brought your cat to the vet and realized that its mouth is dripping? That’s stress drooling. Other cats can be triggered even by expecting something that is uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Although cat drooling is normal, when it comes all at once or excessive drooling occurs, it may indicate a health disorder. Some of the most common triggers are dental problems, nausea, infections, foreign objects, toxins, and stress.
As a cat owner, one should pay close attention to his or her cat and recognize the symptoms that come along with it and visit the veterinary in case of need. With proper intervention at an early age, you can save your cat from serious health complications and keep it happy, healthy, and drool-free; the reason being.
FAQs About Cat Drooling
What makes me concerned about the drooling of my cat?
When drooling is pronounced, sudden, or with vomiting, lethargy, bad breath, or pawing of the mouth, seek medical attention.
Is it possible to make cats drool only due to stress?
Yes. Drooling may be elicited even in the absence of disease, that is, as a result of stress or anxiety, e.g., at the vet or when subjected to noisy situations.
What can I do to avoid drooling due to dental problems?
To prevent problems, you should brush your cat regularly, check his/her teeth, and use dentist-recommended dental toys or food.
Has my cat drooled due to car ride nausea?
Absolutely. A frequent cause is motion sickness, particularly in young or tender cats.
Does drooling ever occur in cats?
Yes. Cats can also secrete drool when they are very relaxed, bonding, or find pleasure in petting and comfort.