If a cat is drooling, it is always a signal for concern. It will not be possible to independently identify the cause, since there are a lot of factors for the occurrence of the disease. The diagnosis is made only by a specialist, on the basis of a number of tests and examination of a cat by a specialist.
Therefore, if a cat is drooling, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent complications. In our article you will find answers to the most common questions about possible causes, how to understand that a cat has excessive salivation, and how to treat the disease.
Causes of increased salivation in cats
In fact, the factors affecting the disease are much more than can be assumed. The most common:
Consequence of serious illness
In these cases, saliva is viscous, transparent, and a putrid odor usually comes from the cat’s mouth:
· Viral and infectious diseases. Perhaps an increase in body temperature, outflow from the nose and eyes, decreased appetite, the cat becomes lethargic;
· Inflammation in the oral cavity. Ulcers in the tongue and / or gums of the cat, in the case of gingivitis and stomatitis, bleeding of the gums is possible;
Gastrointestinal problems. In addition to salivation, there may be diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
· The presence of parasites in the body. In most cases, increased salivation is accompanied by fetid diarrhea, possible with interspersed mucus;
· Oncological diseases. Apathy joins, loss of appetite, with palpation, neoplasms can be observed, depending on the location of the tumors.
Physiological factors
Saliva is viscous, rarely liquid. Transparent, without impurities. Putrid breath is not observed:
· Overheating of the animal. The cat begins to breathe often, the tongue is stuck out, saliva, as a rule, is fluid, sometimes lethargy joins. If this symptom is detected, the cat needs to be moved to a cool room, provided with enough drinking water. Favorable temperature for cats is 25 degrees;
· Increased anxiety and fear of something. This usually happens when transporting a cat in public transport or at exhibitions. In addition to increased salivation, tachycardia and an increase in pupils may be observed;
· Excessive physical activity, such as games. In this case, the cat is breathing heavily, his tongue becomes bright red, sticking out of his mouth.
Other reasons
Saliva in most cases is transparent, without putrid odor from the mouth:
· Reaction to bitter, sweet, or acidic drugs. Usually, antibiotics, antiallergenic drugs, and anthelmintic drugs give this reaction. In this case, saliva is always plentiful and frothy;
An allergic reaction to products and / or drugs. In addition to salivation, hair loss, frequent sneezing, and also outflow from the eyes and nose can be noted;
· Poisoning with stale food or pesticides. Vomiting, frequent loose stools, apathy, loss of appetite are added. Depending on the type of poisonous substance, the cat can rapidly lose weight, the body is dehydrated;
· Finding a foreign body between the teeth.
Important! If a cat is drooling, it can be a dangerous disease - rabies. In this case, the saliva will be foamy, plentiful. The animal behaves uneasily and tries to hide in a dark, secluded place. If this symptom is detected, the cat should be taken to a veterinary clinic immediately.
Signs of increased salivation in cats
The common name for the disease is hypersalivation. The main signs by which you can understand that a cat has increased salivation are as follows:
· The cat often swallows saliva;
· Begins to wash too often and rub his face on furniture;
· The hair near the corners of the lips, on the chin and collar is constantly wet;
· Moist spots are noticed on the bed.
Diagnostics to exclude dangerous diseases
To understand why a cat is drooling and starting a course of therapy, it is necessary to find out the cause of the disease. To install it, the following actions are performed:
· Examination of the cat's oral cavity to exclude infections (gingivitis, stomatitis, etc.);
· To exclude foreign bodies in the intestines and stomach, ultrasound is prescribed;
· The doctor conducts a thorough visual examination of the animal by palpation;
· General analysis of blood, urine, possibly feces.
If these procedures are not enough to make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe a biochemical blood test, PCR and other procedures that will help establish the cause.
Treatment for excessive salivation in cats
If a cat is drooling, then a course of therapy is prescribed depending on the results of the tests. Treatment is usually based on:
· Elimination of symptoms;
· Increased immunity;
· Treatment of the underlying disease.
Preventive measures
Prevention is based on the exclusion of factors affecting the occurrence of hypersalivation in cats, namely:
· Elimination of dangerous objects in the room that the cat can swallow;
· Preventive measures against viral and infectious diseases (healthy nutrition, regular vaccination and cleansing of the body of parasites);
· Cleaning the oral cavity of the animal, as well as the use of pastes to remove wool;
· In case of detection of suspicious symptoms, do not postpone the visit to the veterinary office;
· Monitor the expiration dates of products, do not give the cat stale food;
· Exclude from the diet of the cat those foods that can cause allergies;
· Provide the animal with a calm environment, avoid stressful situations.
This disease can be dangerous not only for the pet, but also for humans. Because in the case of rabies, the cat can transmit the disease to the owner through saliva, which enters the person’s wound. That is why, in order to protect yourself and, first of all, the animal from complications, when the first symptoms appear, consult a veterinarian.
