Why is my cat drooling? Possible symptoms and treatment

I’ hypersalivation in cats has various causes, some of which may be serious. In order for treatment to be administered to the animal as soon as possible when necessary, it is therefore very important to identify the origin of this symptom. Some associated signs can put the veterinarian on the way. Do not neglect anything and consult without delay. Let’s take a look at hypersalivation in cats, possible causes and treatments.

My cat is drooling: the different causes

It happens that a cat starts drooling more or less consistently. This excessive production of saliva is called:

• • Ptyalism,

• • Hypersalivation,

• • Hypersialorrhoea,

• • Hypersialy.

The appearance of saliva varies from one cause to another, and gives good indications. In case of infection for example, it is sometimes slightly bloody and its smell is unpleasant. In other cases, the saliva is foamy, or on the contrary sticky.

The cause of ptyalism can be:

• • emotional. A happy cat is frequently seen to drool while purring. But he can also drool if he is overexcited by watching a mouse or a bird for example, stressed or anxious. The slightest change in its habits quickly disturbs this sensitive animal. It is hardly surprising that a cat emits a lot of saliva when traveling simply because it suffers from motion sickness.

Physiological. Many diseases cause excessive salivation in cats, such as:

• kidney failure,
• A neurological disorder,
• bowel disease,
• Disturbance of swallowing due to an oropharyngeal tumor,
• A viral infection,
• oral inflammation,
• A mouth ulcer,
• Rabies,
• A cyst in the esophagus,
• An intoxication.
• • Some medications with Side effects,

• • A poisoning or one poisoning : following oral contact with an element toxic to cats (plant, essential oil, household product, rat poison), or with a venom found for example in toads or processionary caterpillars,

• • The swallowing of a food extremely bitter or acid.

But in the presence of hypersialia in cats, one can also suspect:

We understand that it is essential to identify the origin of ptyalism in cats, without wasting time, so that the animal can be treated. In some cases, his life is in danger. On the other hand, there is no need to fear if the cat only drools while sleeping because this indicates that it is totally relaxed.

Hypersalivation in Cats and Associated Symptoms

Among the reasons that require emergency treatment, there is of course poisoning and intoxication. When the animal has been in contact with a toxin or venom, it drools a lot and shows associated symptoms. It is therefore necessary to consult without delay if the hypersalivation is not their only symptom and that one notes for example:

• • dilation of the pupils,

• • Diarrhea,

• • Cough,

• • Regurgitations,

• • Nausea,

• • Vomitings,

• • With difficult swallowing,

• • A loss of appetite

• • Seizures.

Similarly, if the cat seems to feel pains, do not wait to take him to the vet. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that when the cat no longer controls its oral secretions, it is very rarely an isolated disorder.

Cat drooling: treatments

Treatment depends on the cause of the hypersialorrhoea. After a clinical examination of the cat, the veterinarian must therefore expand his investigations to carry out his diagnosis.

If the cat is drooling because it has an oral problem, it may simply be due to excess tartar. In this case a descaling needed to get everything back to normal. If he has an abscess or gum disease, the animal dentistry specialist will adjust the treatment. In the presence of an esophageal tumor or bowel disease, the veterinarian will set up the necessary care protocol. There is therefore no specific treatment but as many treatments as causes.

Whether the cat drools intermittently or continuously, it is better to react quickly without trying to diagnose the cause of this hypersalivation yourself. No need to make your cat take risks because in the event of a late prognosis, the treatment can be very long and expensive due to complications.