Understanding and Managing My Cat's Foaming and Drooling After Cerenia

It's not uncommon for pet owners to encounter unexpected side effects when administering medications to their cats. Recently, I noticed my cat foaming at the mouth and drooling excessively after being given half a Cerenia pill as recommended by my veterinarian. While the foaming eventually stopped, the drooling continued for several days, followed by bouts of vomiting that produced bile. This described behavior is similar to what another pet owner experienced while administering the same medication to their cat. In this article, we will discuss the potential reasons behind these symptoms, along with effective strategies for managing your cat's discomfort.

Side Effects of Cerenia

According to veterinary resources, side effects of the medication Cerenia (maropitant citrate) can include nausea and hypersalivation, which align well with the symptoms you and the other pet owner observed. Nausea can lead to vomiting, while hypersalivation (excessive drooling) is a natural response to a bitter taste.

Solving the Drooling Issue: Effective Strategies

The bitterness of the Cerenia pill can be the primary cause of your cat's drooling. Here are some strategies that can help mitigate this issue:

1. Disguised Administration Method

A viable solution is to disguise the pill within another substance that your cat finds palatable. For example, the pill can be placed inside an empty gelcap, which can then be mixed with some meat baby food or even a bit of butter. This method allows your cat to consume the necessary medication without tasting the bitter flavor directly.

2. Syringe Administration Technique

To simplify the process further, you can use a syringe with the nib cut off to forcefully administer the pill. This method ensures that the pill is placed behind the tongue, minimizing the chance of the cat tasting the drug and triggering excessive drooling. Start by suctioning up some softened meat baby food into the syringe, insert the pill, and then deliver it into the cat's mouth quickly.

3. Diet-Based Disguise

If your cat is fed a raw prey model diet, consider wrapping the pill in a small piece of meat or fat. This method ensures that your cat is less likely to detect the bitter taste and is more likely to swallow the pill without reacting strongly.

Evaluating the Need for the Medication

The decision to use Cerenia or another similar medication should be made after considering the actual diagnosis and necessity. If your cat has been vomiting, you might consider alternatives such as Hairball Gel from Richards Organics, which can help manage vomiting symptoms without the bitter taste.

Checking for Allergies

If the drooling and vomiting persist or worsen, it might be wise to conduct a search on the medication to check for potential allergic reactions. If you suspect an allergy, consult your veterinarian for alternative treatments or further diagnostic steps.

Conclusion

Cerenia, like many medications, can have side effects such as nausea and hypersalivation. Understanding these side effects and employing the right techniques can help manage your cat’s discomfort effectively. By using disguised administration methods and ensuring the cat consumes the medication quickly, you can minimize unwanted reactions. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about a medication's effectiveness or side effects.