7 Reasons Why Do Cats Drool & What To Do About It

Have you ever looked over at your feline friend and noticed a little stream of drool escaping their mouth? At first, I thought my cat, Whiskers, might have just been dreaming about her favorite tuna treat. But then I realized there’s more to cat drooling than meets the eye.

Let’s explore why cats drool, when it’s perfectly normal, and when it might be a sign that something is wrong.

Why Do Cats Drool?

Cats drool for a variety of reasons, ranging from contentment to underlying health problems. While a little drool when your kitty is purring on your lap is adorable, excessive or unexplained drooling could indicate an issue. Let’s break it down.

1. Contentment and Relaxation

One of the most common and harmless reasons cats drool is sheer happiness. When your cat is completely relaxed—perhaps while purring, kneading, or enjoying a good scratch behind the ears—they may start to drool. This behavior often link back to kittenhood, when kneading their mother’s belly triggered milk flow. In their adult years, drooling during contentment becomes a reflex.

For instance, Whiskers loves lounging on my lap during lazy Sunday mornings. When she starts purring like a motorboat, a little drool isn’t far behind. If your cat drools in these moments, rest assured it’s their way of saying, “I’m in heaven!”

2. Dental Issues

Dental problems are one of the leading medical causes of drooling in cats. Issues like gum disease, tooth decay, oral ulcers, or even abscesses can trigger excessive salivation. If your cat’s drool comes with bad breath, difficulty eating, or visible discomfort, it’s time for a dental check-up.

Proactive dental care can prevent many problems. Regularly brushing your cat’s teeth with feline-safe toothpaste and scheduling routine vet visits can work wonders.

3. Nausea And Toxins

Cats may drool when they feel nauseous. Common causes include motion sickness during car rides, hairballs, or eating something that doesn’t agree with their stomach. In more severe cases, drooling may indicate they’ve ingested a toxic substance, like certain plants or chemicals.

If drooling is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or other concerning signs, seek veterinary help immediately. Quick action can save your cat’s life in cases of poisoning.

Related: Can Cats Eat Pumpkin?

4. Health Problems

Cats are creatures of habit, and any disruption to their routine can cause stress. Situations like vet visits, unfamiliar environments, or loud noises may lead to anxiety-induced drooling. Whiskers, for example, turns into a drooling mess every time we take her to the vet. A pheromone diffuser or calming treats can sometimes ease their nerves.

Tip: Gradual desensitization to stressful situations, like car rides, can help reduce anxiety over time.

5. Heatstroke

In hot weather, cats can overheat, especially if they don’t have access to water or a cool spot to rest. Drooling is one of the signs of heatstroke, alongside panting, lethargy, and rapid breathing. Always ensure your cat stays hydrated and avoid keeping them in hot, enclosed spaces.

6. Foreign Objects Or Oral Injuries

Sometimes, a foreign object—like a piece of string or a small toy—can get lodged in a cat’s mouth, causing drooling. Oral injuries, such as cuts or sores, can also be the culprits. Inspect your cat’s mouth carefully if you suspect this, but leave the removal to a vet if the object is deeply lodged.

7. Medical Conditions

Other health conditions, like respiratory infections, liver disease, or neurological disorders, can cause drooling. If your cat’s drooling seems out of the ordinary, monitor for other symptoms like sneezing, loss of appetite, or changes in behavior. A vet’s visit is the best course of action.

Related: How Many Teeth Do Cats Have?

How To Handle A Drooling Cat

1. Start With Observation

If the drooling is mild and occasional, watch for patterns. Is it tied to a specific activity, like cuddling or eating? That context can help determine whether it’s normal or something to address.

2. Check For Visible Issues

Gently inspect your cat’s mouth for obvious signs of trouble—swollen gums, foreign objects, or anything unusual. If your cat resists, don’t push it; you might need professional help.

3. Keep Their Stress Levels Low

If anxiety seems to be the trigger, try to create a calming environment. Comforting words, a cozy corner, or even a feline pheromone diffuser can work wonders.

4. When To Call The Vet

If the drooling is sudden, excessive, or accompanied by symptoms like pawing at the mouth, lack of appetite, or lethargy, don’t wait. Your vet can rule out serious issues and provide the right treatment.

When to Worry About Cat Drooling

While occasional drooling during relaxation isn’t a cause for concern, persistent or unexplained drooling should not be ignored. Pay attention to the following warning signs:

• Sudden onset of drooling
• Drooling accompanied by weight loss, vomiting, or lethargy
• Blood in saliva or visible oral injuries

Your vet can conduct a thorough examination and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Preventive Measures: Tips for A Healthy Cat

Prevention is always better than scrambling for a cure. Caring for your cat’s overall health can reduce instances of problematic drooling. Here’s how:

• Dental Hygiene: Brush your cat’s teeth regularly and provide dental treats.
• Safe Environment: Keep toxic plants and chemicals out of reach.
• Stress Management: Use calming aids and establish routines to reduce anxiety.
• Hydration: Always ensure access to fresh water, especially in hot weather.

Fun Trivia: Can you spot the differences between Male and Female Cats