Why is My Cat Drooling Thick Saliva And Not Eating?

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Why is My Cat Drooling Thick Saliva And Not Eating?

If your cat is drooling thick saliva and refusing to eat, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong and requires immediate attention. While mild drooling can sometimes be linked to excitement or anticipating a treat, thick, excessive saliva coupled with a lack of appetite often indicates a more serious underlying health issue.

Fathoming the Causes of Feline Drooling and Poor Appetite

When our feline companions stop eating and start drooling excessively, it can be alarming for any cat owner. This combination of symptoms points to a variety of potential problems, ranging from simple discomfort to severe illness. Let’s delve into the common reasons behind this concerning behavior.

Oral Health Issues: The Mouth Matters

The most frequent culprits for drooling and a reluctance to eat often stem from problems within the cat’s mouth. Cat oral pain can be excruciating, making it difficult or impossible for them to chew or even swallow food.

Dental Diseases: More Than Just Bad Breath

• Gingivitis and Periodontitis: These are inflammatory conditions affecting the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to bacterial infections, causing inflammation, pain, and bleeding gums. As the disease progresses, teeth can loosen and eventually fall out. This discomfort makes eating a painful ordeal.
• Tooth Fractures: Cats can fracture their teeth from chewing on hard objects, trauma, or even age-related wear and tear. A broken tooth exposes the sensitive pulp, leading to intense pain and potential infection.
• Stomatitis: This is a severe inflammatory condition affecting the entire mouth, including the gums, tongue, cheeks, and back of the throat. It’s believed to be an immune-mediated response to plaque bacteria. The inflammation is widespread and incredibly painful, causing a cat to drool constantly and refuse food.
• Oral Tumors: Lumps or growths in the mouth can obstruct eating, cause pain, and lead to secondary infections. These can be benign or malignant.
• Foreign Objects: A piece of string, a bone shard, or other debris lodged in the mouth or throat can cause irritation, pain, and drooling. Cats might try to dislodge it, leading to more drooling.

Cat dental problems are prevalent, especially in older cats, and can manifest as a primary cause of significant distress.

Gastrointestinal Distress: The Gut Feeling

Sometimes, the issue isn’t directly in the mouth but signals from the digestive system. Cat nausea is a common precursor to vomiting, but even before that, it can cause a cat to drool excessively.

Cat Stomach Issues and Their Manifestations

• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can cause nausea, pain, and discomfort, leading to drooling and a loss of appetite.
• Intestinal Blockage: If a cat ingests something indigestible, it can cause a blockage in the intestines. This is a life-threatening emergency. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, and a complete refusal to eat, often accompanied by drooling.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a significant decrease in appetite.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract can lead to a range of digestive upset, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and poor appetite.
• Kidney Disease: Advanced kidney disease can cause a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, leading to nausea, vomiting, and a general malaise that suppresses appetite.
• Liver Disease: Similar to kidney issues, liver problems can result in toxin buildup, causing nausea and a reduced desire to eat.

These cat stomach issues often present with a general unwell feeling, making the cat want to withdraw and not eat.

Systemic Illnesses and Infections

Beyond the mouth and gut, a variety of systemic diseases can impact a cat’s well-being and lead to drooling and a poor appetite.

Respiratory Tract Infections

• Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): While often associated with sneezing and nasal discharge, severe URIs can cause mouth sores or pain, making eating difficult. Some cats with severe congestion may also drool.
• Pneumonia: Lung infections can make it difficult for cats to breathe, leading to stress and potentially drooling. The discomfort and general illness also suppress appetite.

Neurological Issues

In rare cases, neurological problems affecting the nerves that control swallowing or saliva production can lead to excessive drooling. This might be associated with other cat behavioral changes or physical symptoms.

Toxins and Poisoning

Ingestion of toxic substances, such as certain plants, household chemicals, or medications, can cause severe oral irritation, nausea, vomiting, and drooling. If a cat chews on a toxic plant, it can result in a cat sore mouth and significant discomfort.

Heatstroke

Cats can overheat, especially in warm environments. Overheating can lead to panting, drooling, and lethargy. If severe, it can cause organ damage and a loss of appetite.

Stress and Behavioral Factors

While less common as the primary cause of thick drooling, stress can contribute to a cat’s overall health and appetite.

Cat Behavioral Changes and Drooling

• Anxiety and Fear: Some cats may drool when extremely stressed or frightened. This is typically a more watery saliva, but combined with other stressors, it can contribute to a picture of illness.
• Learned Association: Occasionally, cats may associate drooling with a positive experience (like receiving a treat), but this doesn’t typically involve thick saliva or a loss of appetite.

It’s crucial to distinguish between situational drooling and drooling accompanied by a lack of eating, as the latter is a significant red flag.

Signs to Watch For: Beyond Drooling and Not Eating

When your cat is exhibiting these primary symptoms, look out for these accompanying signs that can help pinpoint the cause:

• Vomiting: While not always present, cat vomiting is a common indicator of gastrointestinal upset or systemic illness.
• Diarrhea: Changes in stool consistency can signal digestive problems.
• Lethargy: A noticeable decrease in activity and playfulness.
• Paw-Licking or Pawing at the Mouth: Cats may try to dislodge something or alleviate oral discomfort.
• Bad Breath: Often indicative of dental disease or infection.
• Dropping Food: Difficulty holding or chewing food.
• Weight Loss: A consequence of not eating over time.
• Changes in Drinking Habits: Drinking more or less than usual.
• Visible Swelling or Redness in the Mouth: Can indicate infection or inflammation.
• Difficulty Swallowing: Choking or gagging while attempting to eat or drink.

These additional symptoms provide vital clues for your veterinarian.

When to Seek Veterinary Care: Acting Swiftly

Never ignore persistent drooling and a lack of appetite in your cat. These are not normal behaviors and warrant a prompt visit to the veterinarian. The sooner you seek professional help, the better the prognosis for your feline friend.

What to Expect at the Vet

Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination, which will likely include:

1. Physical Examination: This involves checking your cat’s overall condition, temperature, hydration, and observing their mouth and throat.
2. Dental Examination: A close inspection of the teeth, gums, and oral tissues for signs of disease, injury, or foreign bodies. Sedation might be required for a complete assessment.
3. History Taking: Your vet will ask you detailed questions about your cat’s diet, behavior, any potential exposure to toxins, and the onset of symptoms.
4. Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the initial findings, the vet may recommend:
   • Blood Tests: To check for infection, inflammation, organ function (kidneys, liver), and other systemic issues.
   • Urinalysis: To assess kidney function and detect urinary tract infections.
   • X-rays (Radiographs): To examine teeth, jawbone, and internal organs for abnormalities or blockages.
   • Biopsy: If a tumor is suspected.

Treatment Approaches: Tailored Solutions

The treatment plan will entirely depend on the diagnosed cause.

Common Treatment Modalities

• Dental Procedures: For dental disease, treatments can range from professional teeth cleaning and polishing under anesthesia to tooth extractions if teeth are severely damaged or infected.
• Fluid Therapy: To combat dehydration, especially if vomiting or refusal to drink has occurred.
• Medications:
  • Antibiotics: To treat bacterial infections.
  • Pain Relievers: To manage cat oral pain and discomfort.
  • Anti-nausea Medications: To alleviate cat nausea.
  • Steroids or Immunosuppressants: For inflammatory conditions like stomatitis.
• Dietary Changes: A change to a softer, more palatable food or a specialized veterinary diet may be recommended.
• Surgery: For oral tumors, foreign body removal, or severe dental issues requiring extraction.
• Supportive Care: This can include force-feeding (if necessary and under veterinary guidance) or providing nutritional supplements.

Preventive Measures: Safeguarding Your Cat’s Health

While not all causes of drooling and poor appetite can be prevented, proactive care can significantly reduce the risk.

Strategies for a Healthy Cat

• Regular Dental Care: Brush your cat’s teeth regularly with feline-specific toothpaste. Dental treats and water additives can also help.
• Annual Veterinary Check-ups: These allow for early detection of potential health problems, including dental issues.
• Diet Management: Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for your cat’s age and health status.
• Safe Environment: Keep toxic plants, chemicals, and small objects out of your cat’s reach.
• Monitor Behavior: Be observant of any subtle changes in your cat’s eating habits, drinking, or general demeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can stress cause my cat to drool thickly and not eat?
A1: While severe stress can cause drooling, it’s typically more watery. Thick, excessive drooling combined with a lack of appetite is more indicative of a physical ailment, such as oral pain or gastrointestinal upset. However, stress can exacerbate existing conditions or lead to behavioral changes that affect appetite.

Q2: How quickly should I take my cat to the vet if they are drooling and not eating?
A2: You should seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Cats can dehydrate and weaken quickly. Delaying a vet visit can make a treatable condition much more serious.

Q3: My cat has bad breath and is drooling. What could it be?
A3: Bad breath, especially when combined with drooling and a poor appetite, is a strong indicator of dental disease, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, or a tooth abscess. An oral infection can also cause these symptoms.

Q4: Can I try giving my cat water or food by force if they aren’t eating?
A4: It is strongly advised against force-feeding your cat without veterinary guidance. You could cause them further distress, aspiration pneumonia (if food or liquid enters the lungs), or make their condition worse. Your vet can advise on appropriate supportive feeding if necessary.

Q5: Are there any home remedies for cat drooling and not eating?
A5: There are no reliable home remedies that can effectively treat the underlying causes of significant drooling and appetite loss. These symptoms require professional diagnosis and treatment from a veterinarian. Attempting home remedies without a diagnosis can delay necessary medical care and potentially harm your cat.

In conclusion, a cat drooling thick saliva and refusing to eat is a serious warning sign that requires prompt professional veterinary attention. By being vigilant, recognizing the potential causes, and acting swiftly, you can help ensure your beloved feline companion receives the care they need to recover and regain their health.