My senior cat is drooling thick sticky saliva. Is it a health concern?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 16 years and 10 months old
Hi. My old cat (at my dad's) is getting on a bit but I have just visited after 3 months away and he has deteriorated gradually to the state where he now dribbles. The saliva is thick and sticky. The black is something he has been in and us hard and crispy on his fur so sadly we have had to shave partly. He has lost teeth through age and now has a blended diet. Is the drooling something to be concerned about or should we just continue to make his twilight years as comfortable as possible?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 10th, 2017
Even with no teeth the drooling is abnormal. I would be concerned that he has an infection or stomatitis of the mouth or possibly kidney disease causing him to be uremic- a build up of toxins in the blood that can cause ulcers and other problems. I would recommend getting him to a vet for evaluation and possible medications to help keep his twilight years comfortable.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 23rd, 2018
He may have an infected tooth or abscess or a growth in the mouth causing the pain and drooling. There is nothing at home you can give safely. Your vet can look in his mouth and check for an infection or a growth and give you an estimate if cost if treatment before doing anything else. At his age your vet can discuss if sedation is an option or pulse antibiotics therapy is more beneficial
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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