Why Is My Cat Drooling?

It is completely normal is your cat drools from time to time, especially if your cat is deeply relaxed, purring, or enjoying a particularly good nap. But when you notice your cat suddenly drooling more than usual, leaving wet spots on their bedding, or walking around with saliva dripping from their mouth, it can be a sign that something is bothering them.

While some causes of cat drooling are harmless, excessive salivation can also point to dental problems, nausea, mouth irritation, or an underlying health issue.

Why Do Cats Drool?

Cats can drool for several different reasons. Unlike dogs, cats generally don't produce noticeable amounts of saliva unless something triggers it. A relaxed cat may drool a little while purring or sleeping, but sudden or excessive drooling needs closer attention.

The most common causes of drooling are dental disease, something stuck in your cat’s mouth, nausea, exposure to a toxic substance, and mouth pain. In some cases, anxiety, medications, or simply tasting something unpleasant can cause your cat to temporarily drool

The most important clue often comes from the other symptoms your cat develops alongside the drooling.

Your Cat May Be Drooling Because of Dental Disease

Dental disease is one of the most common reasons an adult cat may start drooling. Cats are experts at hiding oral pain, so drooling can sometimes be one of the first noticeable signs that something isn't right inside their mouth.

Gingivitis, periodontal disease, infected teeth, tooth breakage, and other painful dental conditions can make it uncomfortable for your cat to swallow normally. Your cat may also have bad breath, red or swollen gums, difficulty chewing, or suddenly lose interest in dry food.

If your cat has tooth resorption of the breakage of teeth, which is common in cats needs particular attention because it can be extremely painful. The condition causes the tooth structure to break down, often beneath the gumline, making it difficult for pet parents to see what is happening.

Mouth Pain Can Cause a Cat to Drool

Dental disease isn't the only source of oral pain. A cat can develop ulcers, inflammation, injuries, or irritation inside the mouth that makes swallowing uncomfortable.

Your cat may drool because saliva constantly collects in the mouth when they don't want to swallow because of pain. Some cats may also paw at their mouth, chew differently, drop food while eating, or suddenly become reluctant to eat.

A cat that appears interested in food but backs away after trying to eat may have an oral problem that needs veterinary attention.

Cats can occasionally get a foreign object or material caught between their teeth, under the tongue, or elsewhere in the mouth. Grass, string, pieces of food, or other small objects can cause significant irritation and trigger excessive saliva production.

Nausea Can Make a Cat Drool

Cats often drool when they feel nauseated. You may notice excessive saliva shortly before your cat vomits or while they are experiencing an upset stomach.

Nausea can happen for many reasons, including eating something that doesn't agree with them, hairballs, gastrointestinal problems, certain medications, or underlying illness. Your cat may lick their lips repeatedly, swallow frequently, turn away from food, or hide when they feel sick.

Occasional drooling associated with a brief episode of nausea may resolve once your cat feels better. Persistent nausea or drooling, however, means that it’s time to contact your veterinarian.

Your Cat May Be Drooling Because Something Tastes Bad

Cats sometimes drool simply because they have tasted something unpleasant. Bitter medications, certain plants, cleaning products, or other substances can cause a cat to produce a surprising amount of saliva.

This type of drooling may appear suddenly and can sometimes look dramatic. Your cat might also foam at the mouth, lick their lips, shake their head, or repeatedly try to swallow. It should usually go away quickly.

However, if you think your cat has licked or eaten a potentially toxic substance, don't wait for the symptoms to become more severe. Contact your veterinarian or an appropriate pet poison service right away for guidance.

Anxiety and Stress Can Cause Drooling

Stress can also cause some cats to drool. A trip to the veterinarian, traveling in a carrier, a car ride, or another frightening experience can trigger excessive salivation.

Some cats drool during car rides because of a combination of anxiety and motion sickness. Once the stressful event ends and your cat settles down, the drooling should generally stop.

Why Does My Cat Drool When Purring?

This is one of the less concerning reasons for cat drooling. Some cats drool when they become extremely relaxed, particularly while purring, kneading, cuddling, or falling asleep.

These cats may have always drooled a little during moments of contentment. If your cat has been a happy little drooler since kittenhood and otherwise eats, plays, grooms, and behaves normally, occasional drooling may simply be part of their individual personality.

A sudden change is different. If a cat that never drooled suddenly starts producing excessive saliva, don't automatically assume they're simply relaxed.

Can Medications Cause Cats to Drool?

Certain medications can cause drooling, especially those that taste bitter. Cats may produce a large amount of saliva after receiving an unpleasant-tasting liquid medication or pill.

The reaction can look alarming, but it doesn't necessarily mean your cat has had a dangerous reaction to the medication. However, you should always let your veterinarian know if your cat develops significant drooling after receiving a medication, particularly if the drooling continues or other symptoms appear.

Never stop a prescribed medication without speaking with your veterinarian first.

Can Kidney Disease Cause a Cat to Drool?

Certain serious illnesses can contribute to excessive drooling. Kidney disease, for example, can cause nausea and oral irritation as the disease progresses. Cats with advanced kidney disease may develop mouth ulcers, nausea, decreased appetite, and excessive salivation.

Other systemic illnesses can also cause nausea or changes in the mouth that result in drooling. That's why persistent drooling without an obvious explanation deserves a veterinary evaluation, particularly in senior cats.

When Should You Take Your Drooling Cat to the Vet?

A small amount of occasional drooling may not indicate a serious problem, especially when it happens while your cat is relaxed and your cat otherwise behaves normally. However, new, persistent, or excessive drooling deserves attention.

Contact your veterinarian if your cat's drooling continues, keeps returning, or occurs along with other changes such as:

• Loss of appetite or difficulty eating

• Bad breath

• Pawing at the mouth

• Vomiting or repeated lip licking

• Trouble swallowing

• Lethargy or hiding

• Blood in the saliva

• Facial swelling

• Changes in behavior

• Difficulty breathing

Sudden heavy drooling, particularly when accompanied by vomiting, weakness, tremors, breathing problems, or other severe symptoms, can represent an emergency.

How To Figure Out Why Your Cat Is Drooling

The timing and circumstances surrounding the drooling can provide useful information. Think about whether it started after eating, taking medication, riding in the car, encountering a new plant or household product, or experiencing a stressful event.

Also pay attention to your cat's mouth and eating habits. Changes in appetite, chewing, grooming, breath, or behavior can help your veterinarian determine whether dental disease, nausea, pain, or another medical problem is responsible.

Because cats can hide discomfort remarkably well, a new symptom such as excessive drooling may provide an important early clue that something isn't quite right.

 Final Thoughts

Sometimes a cat that drools is nothing to be concerned about. A relaxed cat may drool while purring, and another cat may produce a lot of saliva after tasting something bitter. But excessive or sudden drooling can also signal dental disease, mouth pain, nausea, a foreign object, medication reaction, toxin exposure, or another underlying health problem.

The key is to look for a change from your cat's normal behavior. When drooling suddenly appears, continues, or comes with changes in appetite, behavior, or overall health, it's best to have your veterinarian investigate the cause. Cats don't always make it obvious when they're hurting, so even a seemingly simple symptom can be worth paying attention to.