Have you ever noticed your cat drooling when you pet them? It can be a bit disconcerting, but it’s usually nothing to be alarmed about. We will be uncovering the causes of cat drooling when petted so that you can better understand why your cat may be exhibiting this behavior.
It may seem odd that cats drool when petted, but it’s quite common. Cats are known for their cleanliness. So it can be a bit off-putting when you notice your feline friend drooling after a cuddle session. But why does this happen?
Drooling in cats can be caused by a few different factors. It could be a sign of a medical issue or it could just be a sign that your cat is feeling relaxed and content.
The Different Types of Drooling
There are two main types of drooling in cats: passive drooling and active drooling:
Passive drooling occurs when cats relax and their jaw muscles loosen. This can cause saliva to pool in the mouth and then spill out. Active drooling occurs when cats are excited, anxious, or stressed and their saliva glands produce an excessive amount of saliva. This type of drooling is usually more noticeable and can be accompanied by other signs of distress.
Common Causes of Cat Drooling
Stress and Anxiety
One of the most common causes of cat drooling is stress and anxiety. Cats can become stressed or anxious due to changes in their environment, such as a new pet or a move to a new home. Stress and anxiety can cause cats to drool excessively, so it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of distress.
Pain or Illness
Pain or illness can also cause cats to drool. If your cat is drooling and exhibiting other signs of pain or illness, such as vomiting or lethargy, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Drooling can be a sign of dental problems or other illnesses, so it’s important to get them checked out to ensure that they are healthy.
Medications
Some medications can cause cats to drool, so it’s important to talk to your vet about any medications that your cat is taking. If your cat is on any medications that could cause drooling, your vet may be able to switch them to a different medication that won’t cause drooling.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet and nutrition can also play a role in cat drooling. If your cat is eating a diet that is high in fat or carbohydrates, it can cause them to drool more. Consider switching your cat to a high-quality diet that is tailored to their specific needs.
Tips for Reducing Cat Drooling
In most cases, if your cat is drooling when petted it could just be a sign that your cat is feeling relaxed and content. However, if your cat is drooling excessively or if it is accompanied by other signs of distress, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible to rule out any potential medical issues.
If your cat is drooling excessively, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the amount of drool.
The first step is to identify the cause of the drooling. If it’s due to stress or anxiety, you should try to create a calm and stress-free environment for your cat. You can do this by providing them with plenty of hiding places, playing with them regularly, and giving them plenty of attention.
You can also try to reduce the amount of drool by brushing your cat’s teeth regularly. This will help to remove any plaque that has built up on their teeth and can help reduce drooling. You can also try changing your cat’s diet to a high-quality food that is tailored to their specific needs.
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