What does it mean if a cat is panting and drooling

Both panting and drooling in cats can be perfectly normal, but when either occurs in excess, this can be a sign of a bigger problem. Cats often drool when they purr or when they see food while panting is common in very hot weather. So how do you know when it’s about something other than normal behavior?

Drool

One of the most common reasons that cats drool excessively is that they have problems with their mouth or teeth. Tartar buildup can rub the inside of the cat’s mouth and cause it to drool and this can be controlled by pulling its lip towards the ear. If the teeth are brown or look like cement or the gums are red, swollen or bleeding, then this is a sign of a problem and a visit to the vet is necessary.

Drooling can also occur when a cat has trouble swallowing or has a bad taste in its mouth. Swallowing problems can arise when they ate something that partially blocked their throat or even wrapped it around their tongue. Likewise, if they’ve eaten something that tastes bad, drooling is one way to get rid of the taste.

Drooling can also be a side effect of certain diseases and infections, such as liver and kidney disease and upper respiratory infections.

Panting

Panting is the normal way a cat lowers its body temperature, especially after exercise. They pant to allow water to evaporate from their mouth, tongue, and lungs, as well as to exchange warm air for cold air. They also cool off by licking their fur and perspiring through their paw pads. However, if the panting becomes labored, rapid, or is accompanied by anxiety, this may be part of a bigger problem. Some cats also pant when they are scared.

Rapid breathing is similar to panting and can be caused by injury, fever, stress, or too much heat. It can also be a side effect of conditions such as dehydration, lung and heart disease, and even a build-up of toxic substances in the blood as a result of diabetes or kidney failure. A vet may need X-rays or other checks to establish the exact cause.

Drool and gasp

Some breeds of flat-faced cats, such as Persians, are prone to heat stroke, although this is not as common in cats as it is in other furry animals. It can happen if you have had too much sun and too little water and will result in drooling and panting. Make sure cats have easy access to water, and on hotter days keep them in shady places and limit the amount of exercise they get. If you think your cat may suffer from heat stroke, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Conclution

Knowing the difference between normal panting and drooling and a sign of a problem depends on observation – know what is normal for your cat and you will be able to detect when something is abnormal. Even if you just think there might be a problem, speak to your vet right away rather than risking your cat’s life.