Understanding Why Cats Drool: Causes and When to Worry
Cat drooling—technically called ptyalism—is the excessive flow of saliva from a cat's mouth. Unlike dogs, for whom drooling is often normal, cats rarely drool without a specific trigger. Still, there are both harmless and serious reasons behind this behavior.
Normal Drooling in Cats
You might notice your cat drooling when they're especially relaxed or content. Many cats salivate slightly while purring, kneading, being petted, or even sleeping. This can trace back to kittenhood; nursing kittens knead their mother and may salivate as a comfort response. Some adult cats retain this behavior when they feel safe and happy.
- Mild, infrequent drooling during moments of pleasure is usually nothing to worry about.
- Cats may also drool in anticipation of food or after tasting something particularly appetizing.
- Kittens between 2–6 months old sometimes drool more when teething—a normal developmental phase.
When Drooling Signals a Problem
Persistent, excessive, sudden, or unexplained drooling isn't typical for cats and may indicate underlying health issues. Here are some common causes:
- Dental and Oral Disease: Dental problems are the leading cause of abnormal drooling in cats. Conditions like gingivitis, periodontal disease, oral ulcers, broken teeth, stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), and mouth injuries can all cause pain that leads to increased saliva production. Watch for bad breath, changes in eating habits, weight loss, visible tartar buildup, bleeding from the mouth, or pawing at the face.
- Oral Foreign Bodies: Sometimes cats get foreign objects—like string or toy fragments—stuck in their mouth or throat. This can cause sudden onset of drooling along with gagging, retching, refusal to eat, or pawing at the face. Never try to remove an object yourself; seek veterinary help immediately.
- Toxins and Poisons: Exposure to certain houseplants (lilies and philodendrons), human medications, pesticides, cleaning agents, or toxic foods can lead to excessive salivation. Chemical burns from chewing inappropriate items also cause pain and drooling. Suspect poisoning? Get veterinary care right away.
- Nausea and Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea—from GI upset (like hairballs), internal parasites, kidney/liver disease, poisoning, or motion sickness—can make cats drool. Other signs include vomiting and lethargy.
- Stress and Anxiety: Stressful events such as car rides or vet visits sometimes trigger temporary drooling in cats. Usually this resolves once the stressor passes.
- Mouth Trauma: Injuries from fights, accidents (like chewing electrical cords), or burns can result in acute pain leading to excessive salivation and possibly oral bleeding.
- Heatstroke: Overheating may cause panting and profuse drooling; this is an emergency situation requiring immediate attention.
- Upper Respiratory Infections: Infections affecting breathing may force a cat to breathe through their mouth and produce extra saliva.
- Other Medical Causes: Neurological disorders affecting swallowing nerves; allergic reactions; oral tumors; rabies (rare in vaccinated cats); and some systemic illnesses can all cause abnormal salivation.
Differentiating Healthy vs Unhealthy Drooling
- If your cat's drool is mild/occasional and happens only during relaxation (petting/purring/kneading/eating treats) with no other signs of illness—it's probably harmless.
- If the saliva is persistent/copious/sudden-onset—or comes with other symptoms like lethargy, appetite loss, vomiting/diarrhea, weight loss/difficulty eating/swallowing/foul breath/visible injuries/masses/blood/pus/behavioral changes/pain—it's time for a vet visit.
If Your Cat Is Drooling: What To Do
- Monitor closely: Note when/how often it happens. If it's only during happy moments with no other symptoms—just keep an eye on things.
- If safe (and your cat allows), gently check for visible injuries or foreign objects around the mouth—but don't risk being bitten if they're in pain!
- If you see any alarming signs (persistent/excessive/sudden-onset drool; signs of distress; possible toxin exposure; trauma; foreign object), call your veterinarian right away.
The Veterinary Visit: Diagnosis & Treatment
Your vet will examine your cat's mouth/throat carefully and ask about recent events/environment/symptoms. Diagnostic steps might include:
- A thorough physical exam focused on the oral cavity
- Bood tests for organ function
- Urinalysis
- X-rays/ultrasound if needed for hidden disease/foreign objects
- Disease/toxin testing as appropriate
Treatment depends on the root cause: dental procedures for tooth/gum problems; decontamination/supportive care for toxins; medication for infections; sedation/anesthesia for removing foreign objects; behavioral support/environmental changes for stress-related issues.
Prevention Tips For Cat Owners
- Pursue regular dental hygiene: brush teeth with cat-safe toothpaste & schedule dental check-ups
- Keep toxic plants/chemicals/medications out of reach
- Avoid small ingestible objects in your cat's environment
- Keep your cat cool/hydrated during hot weather
- Watch for changes in eating habits/behavior/drooling patterns & schedule routine wellness exams with your vet
