Ask the Veterinarian/Cat Drooling

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Expert: - 8/26/2011


Question
I've been caring for a very friendly stray (probably abandoned)for about 8 mos. now. For the last week or so  he's had stringy drool dripping out of his mouth, trouble eating at times, a silent meow, I think what looks like black around his mouth (trying to not get too close to him right now), but he is still friendly and is looking to be petted (I won't touch him right now due to his condition. some days he looks like he's better and the next day the symptoms above are back.  There's no personality changes.  I'm hoping you'll tell me it's NOT rabies.....

Answer
Well I can't tell you if it is or isn't rabies, but most likely he could have a cancer growing in his mouth. Most cats have pink or pink with freckles mouths, not black. Tigers, cougars, etc have black mouths.

It would be the kind thing to do to get him to a vet and have it looked at. If it is a cancer I think you know the rest here. He is only going to suffer and starve if it is and he is left the way he is.

Cancers are not uncommon in outdoor cats, especially white, red and white or ever red cats. The more white, the better the chance of getting cancer.

Symptoms of rabies are staggering, excessive drooling, inability to eat or drink (hence the drooling due to paralysis of the throat) trying to get really friendly when the animal was wild or feral before, etc.

There are just so many things this could be- including just a virus- that you really need to get him into the vets. Trap him or coax him into a box or get him into a pillowcase (wear gloves) and get him in. The humane society or animal control near you could possibly help with a humane trap if he is really wild.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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