TL;DR: Excessive drooling and nausea in cats often indicate oral irritation, pain, or toxicity; seek immediate emergency care if toxins were ingested or breathing is labored, otherwise visit a vet within 12–24 hours.
What causes excessive drooling and nausea in my cat?
It can be very distressing to see your feline friend suddenly drooling excessively, a condition known as ptyalism, combined with signs of nausea such as lip-licking or gagging. In cats, these symptoms often indicate that the body is reacting to an irritant, pain, or an internal imbalance. Common causes range from dental disease and oral ulcers to the ingestion of toxic plants or bitter-tasting substances.
Is my cat's drooling and nausea considered an emergency?
The urgency level for excessive drooling and nausea is generally considered Medium. While it may not always be a life-threatening crisis, it is a sign of significant discomfort that requires professional evaluation:
- Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your cat is experiencing difficulty breathing or extreme lethargy.
- Seek emergency care if you suspect your cat has ingested a toxin like lilies or antifreeze.
- Schedule a vet visit within 12 to 24 hours if your cat is stable but continues to show signs of nausea or drooling.
How can photos and videos help my veterinarian with triage?
Providing your veterinarian with visual documentation allows the medical team to see the specific nature of the symptoms and can lead to a faster diagnosis:
- A clear photo of the drool helps the vet assess the volume and consistency of the saliva, noting if it is foamy, clear, or tinged with blood.
- A short video of the nauseous behavior helps the vet differentiate between true vomiting, regurgitation, or gagging.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Drooling and nausea in cats can be associated with a variety of underlying causes including oral inflammation or lesions (stomatitis, glossitis, ulcers), oral foreign bodies, neoplasms, injuries, infectious diseases (e.g., rabies), motion sickness, fear, nervousness, excitement, reluctance to swallow due to esophageal irritation or obstruction, sublingual lesions, tonsillitis, administration of medicine, conformational defects, metabolic disorders (e.g., hepatic encephalopathy, uremia), and salivary gland issues. Nausea may also stem from dietary indiscretion, parasitic infection, bacterial or viral gastroenteritis, or anxiety. Careful oral examination is essential to identify potential causes, and rabies should be ruled out. Persistent vomiting, depression, abdominal discomfort, and/or fever warrant reevaluation, abdominal palpation, and potentially abdominal radiographs to assess for foreign bodies or intestinal obstruction.
Chapter: Dermatology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 362)