Reasons Why a Cat Drools

Salivation in animals and humans is a natural process that aids in digestion. But if it is produced in excess and literally flows out of the cat’s mouth, then this is a deviation from the norm. What is called ptyalism or hypersalivation.

Pathology or part of the norm

Not in all situations, saliva flowing from the mouth of a cat is a sign of illness. It is quite natural that its excess may appear with appropriate stimulation. For example, at the sight or smell of a hungry animal’s favorite food.

There are also several other causes of salivation that are not related to the disease:

Overly affectionate, loving cats adore their owners so much that they cannot hold back saliva from an excess of feelings. This only happens when the cat is petted, especially when stroking the muzzle and neck.

This action stimulates the salivary glands to actively produce fluid. This manifestation is completely harmless, and few animals suffer from it.

Excessive salivation during stress.

Usually, to remove it, the cat licks itself, and the body is helped by abundant production of saliva. After the family pet calms down, everything stops.

The same process begins with motion sickness. Cats don’t like to travel. They are quickly swayed, scream on the way, or lie aloof in a carrier. To relieve attacks of nausea in the body of the animal, the work of the glands is enhanced.

Some drugs with an unpleasant taste can also “start” the salivation process. If the animal is already familiar with this procedure, it may react to fluid flowing from the mouth. Most often, the reaction is caused by bitter anthelmintic drugs.

A visit to the veterinarian can also be an occasion for salivation if the cat has already been there and experienced painful procedures. Salivation begins from fear of foreboding discomfort.

All these cases do not require treatment, as they are associated with a certain stimulation – physical or psychological.

Conditions and diseases that cause increased salivation

There are the following types of pathologies in which saliva flows in a cat:

food poisoning
Intoxication (household chemicals, insecticides, drugs, overdose of insecticides for animals, etc.)
Allergic reaction
Eaten toxic animal or insect
Bite of a poisonous insect (hornet, wasp, bee)
heat, sunstroke
Skull injury, concussion
Diseases of the digestive tract, accompanied by nausea
botulism
Pillar
Chronic renal failure
Impaired liver function
General intoxication of the body due to an extensive inflammatory process
Rabies
abscess
false rabies
Pathology of the structure and functioning of the salivary glands
Cyst on them or inflammation
Foreign body in the oral cavity
dental problems
Oncological diseases, especially oral tumors, metastases, leukemia
Infections affecting the upper respiratory tract
acute cardiovascular disease.

The cause of salivation may be a congenital pathology of the oral cavity, teeth or glands. Since there are many provoking factors, it is required to identify what exactly caused the release of saliva. Most serious illnesses have additional symptoms that help determine the underlying cause.

Diagnostics

It is important not to self-medicate, since such manifestations can be triggered by extremely serious and dangerous diseases. Only a veterinarian can prescribe therapy after a complete examination of the animal.

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In case of pathological separation of saliva, it is necessary to eliminate the cause – bad teeth, infection, a foreign object in the mouth, internal diseases, etc. It is necessary to exclude rabies, tetanus and botulism.

Before being examined in a veterinary clinic, the owner of the animal will be asked about the conditions of keeping, nutrition, vaccinations, the origin of the pet and its well-being, past diseases and additional symptoms.

This is important information that helps in making the correct diagnosis, so you need to answer in detail and truthfully.

The cat will be given blood, urine and stool tests, x-rays and ultrasounds, as well as other procedures to identify potential pathogens. If a tumor is suspected, a tissue biopsy may be taken.

Care

The choice of means and methods of treatment, as well as the prescription of drugs, remains entirely with the veterinarian.

For minor problems or after the violation has been eliminated, for example, when removing a foreign object or removing rotten teeth, the animal is treated on an outpatient basis.

Doctors prescribe drugs in doses that are precisely calculated for a particular cat, so changing them or choosing a different medicine is unacceptable.

Following the instructions, at home, the owner will quickly put the health of his pet in order, and also make sure that problems do not appear in the future. The well-being and duration of a full-fledged life of a cat – a charming and affectionate animal – depend on the attentiveness of the owners and their care.