Cat drooling, Short Breath

Question
Yesturday I noticed my cat was drooling. At first I thought maybe he drank water and it was left on his chin, but I noticed it was constant and that he was kinda breathing fast. The drool is clear like water and he seems to have an appetite. He could sit still . He is not taking any meds and I looked at my plants and it didn't look like he had eaten any of them. Can you help?

Answer
Hello Jeannine -

You may want to check and see if your cat has a problem with his teeth. He may have an infection present which is causing him to drool. The tooth could be loose too. Depending his age and past medical history he could be lossing a few teeth, this can be normal as pets age, just as humans.

I am concerned about the breathing. It is possible that he may have a bacterial infection of some sort. If the condition worsens I would recommend that you take to the vet for a check up. They will be able to do a few tests, check his heart rate and will perform blood work if necessary.

It is common for pets to have allergies and asthma too. With the pollen count being so high this year he may have a respiratory allergy. Sometimes these allergies can grow into little colds. Most of them pass on their own but if you see laboured breathing, it may be that the cold has progressed into an infection which will need to be treated. There are many natural remedies should this occur. Feel free to contact me again should this be a concern and I will happy to help you heal your pet naturally.

You will know if you pet has asthma. They will go through the same symptoms as a human. They will hunch their backs, cough as if trying to expel a hairball, abdominal muscles will expand and contract, and you will see them trying to gasp for breath. They may also breathe with an open mouth. If you cat is showing any of these symptoms in addition to the breathing, I would say asthma and he should be checked out ny the vet. Asthma is just as dangerous, if not more in pets.

Without seeing your pet or knowing any past history I am hesitant to give you a solid diagnosis. I am sorry I cannot be of more help.

As long as he is still eating there may not be a problem at all. If there is a significant change in his diet, begins to have diarrhea or heavy vomitting, please bring him to a vet. These are signs that something more serious can be wrong.

Typically, these symptoms are an allergic reaction to medications such as Cephalexin. If a poison has been ingested his gums and tongue would be typically blue, so you may want to check for these as well.

I am sorry I could not be of more help.

If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you. I also offer a catalog of specially formulated herbal remedies which I can send to you as well. My products are also available at www.localharvest.org.

Thank you and best wishes to you an your pet. Please keep me posted on his condition.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist