Unlike dogs, cats do not drool very much, and when they do, it makes us wonder. Where does it come from? This factor is known as hypersalivation. This excess of saliva production or defect in swallowing shows that something is not right.
There are many reasons why your cat drools. Increased salivation is known as hypersalivation. The most common causes of drooling in cats are sickness, anxiety, fear, and intoxication. However, the extent of it is not limited to bad things; it can also happen if they are happy or relaxed.
Why Do Cats Drool?
It is usual for some cats to drool while kneading or purring. Drooling is a sign of happiness and relaxation that may be traced back to kittenhood. While breastfeeding, kittens frequently massage their mothers’ paws to encourage milk supply. These activities result in a nourishing link between mother and kitten and a soothing and pleasant meal. When cats reach maturity, emotions of happiness frequently lead to kneading, which induces drooling due to the association with breastfeeding. Purring often follows kneading and drooling.
If your usually healthy cat sits in your lap and begins “making cookies” and purring, don’t be startled if he or she starts drooling. This action is natural, and it is most likely one of the ways your cat expresses his or her affection for you.
Cats, unlike dogs, do not frequently drool at the sight of food. However, it is still possible. If your cat drools at the company or scent of food but not at other times, you shouldn’t be concerned.
Drooling may occur momentarily due to stress or fright, such as during automobile rides, vet appointments, or noisy activities. If your cat appears to be highly agitated frequently, consult with your veterinarian about your alternatives. If the drooling and tension are brief and go away, there is probably no need to be concerned.
If your cat drools all the time, he or she may have a health condition. This problem is especially true if the drooling is unrelated to happiness or eating. Even if they appear healthy, all cats should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year for periodic wellness checkups. The vet can frequently spot issues before your cat exhibits any symptoms.
If you see unusual drooling between standard vet appointments, you should call your doctor straight away. Your pet may require medical attention. Some medical conditions can induce drooling in cats and require medical care.
Main Reasons Why Your Cat Drools?
Nausea: Nausea, gastrointestinal disorders, or dizziness associated with movement (motion sickness) can cause excess salivation, whether or not accompanied by vomiting.
Systemic diseases that affect the oral cavity: Some feline viruses can cause alterations and ulcerative lesions in the mucous membranes of the mouth and pain. Ultimately making your cat drool.
Oral or pharyngeal pathologies: Bacterial infections or inflammations of the mouth (stomatitis), gums (gingivitis), teeth (periodontitis), tongue (glossitis), pharynx (pharyngitis), or tonsils (tonsillitis) can also cause your cat to produce excess saliva.
Chemical stimulation and poisoning: If your cat drools due to intoxication caused by a substance, you should go to the vet urgently since his life may be in danger. Some bitter drugs can also trigger excess salivation and foaming at the mouth.
Metabolic disorders: Uremic stomatitis or cat uremic syndrome is an alteration generally caused by chronic kidney failure, which can end up causing, among other things, lesions in the tissues and organs of the cat, for example, in the mouth. Drooling is one of the consequences of this problem.
Stress: Variations in your cat’s environment, habits, or routines can generate anxiety and, if prolonged, can cause severe physical and behavioral alterations. Sometimes, one of the signs manifested before an increase in anxiety is the excessive production of saliva.
Is Cat Drooling Bad?
It is not a normal physiological response in cats to drool. A can might drool a little on certain occasions if they are hungry or excited for food. If your cat suddenly starts excessive drooling, please contact your veterinarian. Here’s what to know if your cats are suddenly having excess saliva and are drooling all over the house.
Why Do Cats Drool When You Pet Them?
Drooling is a pleasant habit in certain cats. Consider it a reaction to the happiness of being with you. However, if you don’t enjoy the drool, you can place a towel or washcloth under your cat while petting them.
How Do I Get My Cat To Stop Drooling?
If you observe your pet and think to yourself, “my cat drools,” the next step is to call your veterinary doctor as soon as possible. He must run tests to rule out the chance of intoxication since this might endanger your cat’s life. Therefore, it is crucial that you provide all relevant information to the veterinarian (whether it may have consumed any toxins or chemical products, such as detergents, plants, pharmaceuticals, or certain foods) and that you act as quickly as possible.
Once the possibility of intoxication has been ruled out, the veterinarian will examine your companion animal and do any tests deemed necessary to determine the cause of the drooling. The treatment that follows will be determined by what is causing the excessive salivation.
To keep your cat healthy and to avoid any problems that may arise, prevention is essential. A reasonable level of control is necessary for disease management. This requires regular examinations that your veterinarian recommends, even if your cat appears to be in excellent health, and adhering to the recommended vaccination schedule.
Furthermore, boosting their immune system via nutrition is recommended. Foods that aid in strengthening the animal’s natural defenses can assist you in keeping your cat healthy in conjunction with an appropriate physical and psychological treatment.
If your cat cries, regardless of how much or how little, it’s a warning indication that you need to act quickly to figure out what’s wrong. As a result, you must see a veterinarian as soon as possible to get the proper treatment and avoid any complications that might worsen your health.
Is Cat Drool Harmful To Humans?
It is not harmful to humans if your cat drools on you unless your cat is sick. They often show pleasure and affection by licking their loved one’s hands. However, if this occurs, you may be concerned about the safety of having cat saliva on your skin. Cat saliva, like human saliva, contains various substances, some of which are harmless while others may be dangerous, particularly to individuals who are allergic.
People allergic to cats may mistakenly believe that the cat’s hair causes their allergies. In reality, it is a response to a protein present in feline saliva. According to Pets Boulevard, a website that provides information and education tools for companion animal owners, this protein, passed on to the cat’s hair when the cat cleans itself, causes two-thirds of allergies. This protein travels from the cat’s saliva to the dander and hair, notably around the cat’s face and bottom.
Cats, especially the ones who spend a lot of time outside, contain germs in their saliva. Humans carry germs in their mouths, but cats may pass on certain types of bacteria, including the one that causes Cat-Scratch Disease. In most cases, this infection does not produce severe symptoms in healthy people. However, it is important to wash our hands thoroughly if we are bitten or scratched by a cat.
Cat saliva may include enzymes hypothesized to function as natural antibiotics, explaining why cats lick their wounds. These enzymes prevent infection and boost healing. Additionally, they act as a barrier against odors that may attract predators, assist in cooling the body in warm weather, distribute oils throughout the coat to keep it supple, healthy, and stimulate blood flow.
Conclusion
To recap, we can say that cats can drool if they have health problems like fear or stress, nausea or vomiting, poisoning, dental issues, and trauma. In addition to this, they may drool due to medications, foreign objects in their mouth, excitement, and pleasure. When your cat starts drooling more than usual, please contact your veterinary.
Shawn Manaher is a serial entrepreneur but when he isn’t working, he loves dogs. He’s owned different pets over the years, and always gives a part of his heart to each pet.
