Cats are creatures of peculiar habits and traits. As a cat owner, there’s often a learning curve in understanding their behaviors. One such behavior that might concern you is your cat drooling. Is this normal? When should it be a cause for concern? The team at Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland, Florida, is here to help you navigate these questions.

What Is Normal and What Isn’t?

Cats, just like humans, drool for various reasons. Some of these are entirely normal and harmless, while others might indicate a deeper health issue. For instance, it’s perfectly normal for your cat to drool during a bout of heavy purring or when they encounter a new and exciting smell. However, if the drooling becomes excessive, it’s time to play detective and find the cause.

Delving Deeper: The 10 Reasons Why Your Cat May Be Drooling

1. Oral diseases: Just like humans, cats can suffer from a variety of oral health issues. Gum disease, tooth resorption, or mouth sores may cause your cat to drool excessively. Regular dental checkups can help catch these problems early.
2. Toxic substances: Cats are notoriously curious creatures. Sometimes, their curiosity might lead them to ingest harmful substances, causing nausea, gastrointestinal upset, and drooling.
3. Stress and anxiety: Emotional distress can manifest in many ways, including excessive drooling. A new environment, loud noises, or changes in the family dynamics can stress your cat and induce drooling.
4. Foreign bodies: Your feline friend might have a foreign body, like a piece of string or a small toy, lodged in their mouth or throat. This can cause discomfort and result in drooling.
5. Respiratory infections: Infections in the upper respiratory tract can make it difficult for your cat to breathe and cause them to drool.
6. Heatstroke: Especially in the hot Florida summers, cats can suffer from heatstroke. One of the symptoms is excessive drooling, along with panting and lethargy.
7. Kidney disease: Increased levels of urea due to kidney disease can cause mouth ulcers and drooling in cats.
8. Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as deworming drugs or sedatives, can cause your cat to drool.
9. Feline Stomatitis: An inflammation of the mouth and gums, Feline Stomatitis is painful and can cause your cat to drool excessively.
10. Cancer: While less common, drooling can be a symptom of oral tumors. Always seek immediate veterinary assistance if you suspect this might be the case.

When Should You Be Worried?

While occasional drooling during periods of relaxation or pleasure isn’t a cause for concern, persistent or excessive drooling requires attention. It could be a sign of pain, distress, or an underlying health condition. Drooling accompanied by other symptoms like loss of appetite, changes in behavior, difficulty breathing, or vomiting, should be addressed promptly.

How Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic Can Help Your Furry Friend

If you’re in the Lakeland, Florida area, and you notice that your cat is drooling excessively, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic. 

Our team of experienced veterinarians can provide a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of the drooling and propose the best course of treatment.

From routine dental checkups to emergency services, our clinic is equipped to handle a variety of health issues in pets. We believe in providing compassionate, high-quality care for all our furry patients. If your pet needs attention, call us at (863) 665-3199 or book an appointment at pvecvets.com.

Your cat’s health is our priority. With your love and our expertise, we can ensure that your feline friend lives a long, happy, and healthy life. 

Always remember, the sooner a potential problem is addressed, the better the outcome will likely be. So, trust your instincts and don’t delay reaching out if you suspect something’s amiss. Let’s work together to give your cat the care they deserve!