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Why is my senior cat with kidney disease drooling and not eating?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 16 lbs

Max is 15 years old. Has early kidney failure. He takes amlodipine and potassium tabs. Last two days has excess salivary flow. Had a dental within the past year. Do have a new cat in the house stressing him out. His Bib has been soaking wet and I did see drool this morning. Was hungry but wouldn't eat his favorite food tonight. Had bloodwork 2 weeks ago. Vet has had trouble with in house potassium levels in the past so he is going next week to redo bloodwork to send out. Red spot on tongue

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 28th, 2017

Poor Max! Youbsound like an incredibly dedicated owner, he is a lucky cat!
So as I'm sure you are aware the excessive drooling can be a sign of nausea often associated with kidney issues, denta/mouth pain or in some cases stress. If you say he had a dental within a year and his teeth seem in good order this is unlikely the cause. The new cat in the house could certainly be stressing him out but I doubt this is the sole cause for the drooling. What I suspect is tgat the stress is likely exacerbating his kidney issues, it may be increasing his blood pressure a little with a knock on effect. The kidneys could ne getting worse of their own accord but I doubt it would be progressing quickly with the measures you are taking. The other thing to consider is that a combination of stress, low potassium and kidney issues can compromise the immune system which could lead to woubds, the red spot on his tongue could be an ulcer starting which would make his mouth sore and cause him to drool.
I believe that it is a combination of stress and his kidney issues. If he continues not to eat or begins vomiting I would go to the vet asap. However, if he is feeling better tomorrow I would monitor him until your bloods appointment. Keep an eye on the tongue as it may need treatment. You can get a great gel called orobase that provides protection and relief, if it is really bad tge vet may need to give antibiotics and pain relief.
A good idea would be to purchase a feliway diffuser which releases pheremones, it will help calm him down.
Another good treatment for kidney issues is a drug called semintra, it is used to redice protein in the urine which is a detrimental effect of chronic kidney disease.
I wish you all the best with Max.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Poor Max. The drooling and lack of appetite are definitely signs of nausea. I am curious what his potassium levels are right now. Typically kidney failure dogs are high in potassium, so supplemental potassium is not recommended. I would consider getting him on anti-nausea medication and repeating the bloodwork quickly to determine if his potassium levels are high. I would even consider stopping potassium supplements until his levels are checked, but then again you want to consult with your veterinarian before doing so.
    I would also consider putting Max on Azodyl which is a kidney medication to help lower the BUN and CREA levels in the bloodstream, which can act as toxins to the pets system when they are elevated.
    It seems that a few things are kind of up in the air at the moment. However, the best recommendation at this point is to get him evaluated as soon as possible for his current potassium level, consider getting him subcutaneous fluids to flush out his system, get him on anti-nausea medication (i.e. Cerenia) and definitely make sure he is on a kidney rx diet (i.e. Hill's K/D) for the remainder of his life to help manage his kidney disease over time. Best of luck with Max and I hope that he feels better soon.
    Here is more information on kidney disease in pets and how we manage their condition. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    I do apologize that my previous post had an error. The potassium levels in kidney patients are typically on the lower end. The phosphorous levels however can get high, so that needs to be evaluated by your vet, if there are no recent values here. Max may be in need of not only potassium supplements, but he may need medication to help lower his Phosphorous levels if they are creeping up. Consult with your veterinarian about this and again I am so sorry for the previous typo. Azodyl is the medication of choice when trying to lower a chronic kidney pets phosphorous levels and also for kidney support. Best wishes with Max and his recovery. Take care.

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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