As a cat owner, you have probably wondered why your hand is all wet after stroking your cat, and realised that your four legged friend has been drooling on you.
Have you also noticed that your cat's mouth becomes wet from time to time? This is from drool as well.
While the action of drooling is more often attributed to dogs, cats also drool for many reasons. The term 'drool' is employed to describe an excess of saliva to the point that it cannot be retained in the mouth.
My cat drools when they are happy
Certain cats drool because they are happy. These cats purr and rub up against you in order to express their feeling of contentment and seem relaxed. If your cat does drool because they are happy, you have probably already noticed this. If they know that you are going to give them a treat or play with them, they can start to drool. There is no disorder behind this habit, and has no impact on your cat's health.
Cats can also drool when they are anxious. For example, if you haven't gotten your cat used to travelling, when you take them in a car, they can start to drool. Some cats also drool when they are nauseous or ill.
You can ask your veterinary if they recommend anything in order to alleviate these symptoms because they can portend an illness.
My cat drools when they are ill
The most obvious reason for which your cat is drooling is a disease, which is why you should pay attention to not underestimate this warning signal from your cat.
The drooling can hide a mouth ulcer or dental problems. Oral problems can also sometimes change the way in which your cat uses their tongue, which can provoke hypersalivation. Certain oral infections can also cause saliva production to increase.
If your cat is drooling for these reasons, there are also other symptoms that can appear that are associated: bad breath, weight loss, or indeed loss of appetite.
Cats can contract dental lesions that also cause hypersalivation. Don't hesitate to set an appointment for an oral examination each year in order to prepare for this kind of problem.
What to do if my cat drools
The best way to know if the hypersalivation of your cat is a sign of illness is to observe them.
Do they drool when you cuddle them, when they purr or when you're giving them food? In these cases, drooling is not significant. If the drooling happens when travelling, this can be the sign of a behavioural problem.
If you notice a change in behavior from your cat, it means that there may be an underlying health cause. Consult your veterinary who will be able to discover the cause of the hypersalivation.
Source : iheartcats