Have you ever witnessed your cat foaming at the mouth? If so, you know that it’s a terrifying sight, and you want to be sure you know exactly what is causing it.
It’s not unheard of that your cat could foam at the mouth, but it can also be the result of a significant health problem, meaning that you never want to discount a symptom as a false alarm.
Read on to discover the cause and treatment options. Cats can start foaming at the mouth for a number of reasons.
One of the most common reasons for a cat to start foaming at the mouth is dental disease. If your cat has a problem with their teeth, it could cause them to bleed while eating.
This bleeding can make the gums swell indiscriminately, which then causes the foaming at the mouth.
Cats are typically considered to have a healthy oral environment, but it isn’t uncommon for them to suffer from gingivitis or tartar buildup.
Once this happens, the cat ‘s mouth is riddled with foam, which can make your cat look sick.
Why Would A Cat Foam At The Mouth?
Dental problems, nervousness, sickness, and rabies can also cause a cat to display frothing at the mouth.
Rabies is a deadly virus that infects the central nervous system of mammals, including cats. Rabies is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, usually a dog.
Certain breeds of dog—even domestic dogs—are believed to be at higher risk. If your cat has rabies, she will foam at the mouth because of her swollen salivary glands.
The saliva in her swollen salivary glands is extremely high in both sugar and histamines. These chemicals can build up over time and result in an excess amount of saliva pouring out of your cat’s mouth.
This can make your cat appear drunk and delirious. It is common for cats to salivate excessively after eating toxic foods.
The first step is to perform a vet check, followed by a visit to the veterinarian.
If your cat has been poisoned or is suffering from a seizure, a vet should be consulted.
Other possibilities include allergic responses or the possibility of cutting a tooth.
Viral Infections
Though rabies in a vaccinated cat is exceedingly unusual, it is conceivable, and other feline viral diseases can also be debilitating.
The caval and pharyngeal muscles of an infected cat become inflamed and enlarged, prompting them to foam at the mouth. This can cause the cat to become dehydrated and sickened.
It is highly recommended to have the veterinary care of a veterinary professional for any of these infections.
Toxic Ingestion
A toxin intake may cause drooling and frothing at the mouth, along with vomiting and diarrhea.
Many home goods are hazardous, and even certain pet products might cause responses if your cat is sensitive to the product or if you apply it wrongly.
Ingesting pyrethrin-based insecticides, which are often used in flea and tick treatments for both cats and dogs, may kill your cat.
Rabies
Any pet owner who suspects that his or her cat has rabies must visit the veterinarian immediately.
If your cat has rabies, a viral illness that affects the brain and nerve system, she may have excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth.
In some cases, the foam may cover your cat’s entire face.
Agitation or hostility, drooling, and a foamy mouth are telltale signs that a cat has rabies.
It is also important to contact your veterinarian so that your pet can be tested for rabies as soon as possible.
The final symptom of rabies is foaming at a cat’s mouth.
If a cat begins to foam at her mouth, it is a serious cause for concern. You must contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice your cat foaming at her mouth.
To avoid a painful death, be sure to vaccinate your cat.
Dental Disease
Gingivitis, a periodontal disease caused by plaque accumulation, and periodontal abscesses, which are rare but very painful, are examples of oral infections in cats.
Your cat may lose interest in eating, leading in weight loss.
The food of your cat is mostly responsible for dental problems in cats. Plaque and germs may accumulate on your cat’s teeth if food is left on their teeth.
Food left on your cat’s teeth will result in tartar, which may develop gingivitis.
Bacteria from the bacteria will cause infection in the gums around the teeth, eventually leading to abscessed teeth and bad breath.
Nausea
Foaming at the mouth can sometimes be caused by nothing more than the cat’s upset stomach.
If your cat is sick, they will often prefer to be alone. They will likely experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can prevent your cat from eating and drinking.
Nausea in your cat may occur for a myriad of reasons.
If your cat is suffering from nausea, you should seek veterinary treatment right away.
There is currently no cure for nausea in cats, so the best treatment is often to drug your cat.
Fear and Anxiety
It’s possible that the cause of your cat’s excessive salivation has nothing to do with physical discomfort.
Cats can, in rare occasions, foam at the mouth. The feline mouth can look similar to a human mouth when it is filled with saliva. When a cat is anxious, he or she may begin to foam at the mouth.
This might be related to separation anxiety, issues interacting with other dogs in the home, or an inability to adjust to rapid changes in their environment, such as moving to a new house.
When cats feel anxious, they may begin to walk back, scratch, and urinate to mark their territory.
While understanding the source of their stress is important, simply watching their behavior and offering affection can help you manage this condition.
Also Read: Why Does My Cat Keep Gagging But Not Throwing Up?
What to do if your Cat is Foaming at the Mouth?
Excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth can indicate a number of different illnesses.
While a little drool here and there is probably nothing to worry about, if your cat is agitated, showing symptoms of malnutrition, vomiting, or having tremors, you should take him to the vet immediately.
In addition to excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth, other signs You may be wondering if excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth are behavioral, or if there are underlying medical issues.
For example, excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth can indicate chronic kidney failure.
While a little light drool may not be cause for alarm, if your cat is foaming at the mouth, it can be a sign of serious illness.
If your cat has dental problems, such as a cavity or a cracked tooth, veterinarians may recommend cleaning your cat’s teeth.
In certain circumstances, serious diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma may result in foaming at the mouth.
Toxin consumption causes foaming at your cat’s mouth. It’s preferable to provide a sample within 24 hours of your pet being poisoned.
If your veterinarian suspects a respiratory infection, blood will be drawn and tested by an immunologist through a series of tests.
Conclusion
It’s not always rabies if your cat starts foaming at the mouth.
In fact, it’s extremely rare. If you think your cat just has a case of the flu or is suffering from a viral illness, it’s not time to panic.
However, it is still important to get professional medical attention. Mouth-foaming may be caused by a variety of problems, such as inflammation of the salivary glands, a bacterial infection of the mouth, or stress or depression.
Your cat may experience mouth-foaming if it is sick and has an infection, if it has been poisoned, if it has been bitten by another animal, or if it is suffering from some serious dental problem. Fortunately, there’s a strong possibility your cat can return to health.
The most likely cause of your cat foaming at the mouth is rabies. However, it’s important to check this out as soon as possible.