My cat is 18 years old and has always been very healthy. She spent her younger years mostly outdoors and rarely needed to visit the vet. Lately, though, she’s started drooling and seems to have trouble eating hard food. I’ve switched her to softer options like cooked chicken, canned tuna, and wet cat food. I even gave her a clean toothbrush to chew on, hoping it might help her gums.
The drooling hasn’t stopped, so I took her to the vet. They checked her over and didn’t find any lumps or obvious tumors, but they suggested expensive antibiotics and blood work. Given her age and how much she’s slowing down, I’m hesitant to put her through costly tests or surgery, especially since anesthesia at her age is risky.
I’m looking for advice on gentle remedies or foods that might make her more comfortable. Someone recommended CBD oil, but I’d love to hear other ideas. How can I help her enjoy her golden years?
You might want to get another vet’s opinion. From my experience with managing a cat colony, drooling usually means there’s a dental issue, like bad teeth that need attention.
Vic said:
You might want to get another vet’s opinion. From my experience with managing a cat colony, drooling usually means there’s a dental issue, like bad teeth that need attention.
Exactly. Cats don’t drool unless they’re in pain or something is wrong, especially if it’s not a happy, content kind of drooling. It really sounds like she’s uncomfortable.
If she has dental problems, anesthesia is the only way to get a proper look and fix things like extractions or cleaning. I know the risks increase with age, but blood work before the procedure can help ensure she’s okay to undergo it. Would you want to live with tooth pain if it was treatable? Painkillers might help short term, but it’s better to address the root issue if you can.
I just took my two 18-year-olds in for dental cleanings, and they handled it well. The vet ran blood tests first to make sure everything looked safe. It’s worth checking with your vet because sometimes what seems like a small issue can be treated easily if caught in time.
Age isn’t an illness in itself, and blood work before treatment can help identify any risks. Dental problems can be incredibly painful, and addressing them could make her feel much better. I understand costs can add up, but it’s worth talking to your vet about what’s manageable. Senior pets can benefit from regular blood tests even when they seem fine because it can catch issues early.
Veterinary care can be expensive, but it’s necessary. If you’re not willing to pay for diagnostics and treatment, the kindest option might be humane euthanasia. Letting her suffer without proper care isn’t fair. There aren’t home remedies that will replace what a vet can do.
Older animals sometimes drool more. We’ve seen this on our farm with pets. It could be their muscles aren’t working as well for chewing or swallowing, but it’s worth investigating further to rule out dental problems.
@Bevin
That’s often because they have untreated dental issues by the time they reach old age. Regular cleanings or brushing their teeth earlier in life can prevent a lot of these problems.