Drooling is often associated with dogs. However, it’s interesting to know that some cats also drool! One can ask oneself why my cat is drooling. What exactly does it suggest if you see that your cat is drooling? Is that the norm? If they’re content, do cats drool? Is there a reason to be concerned about it?
Your cat may create large amounts of saliva for various reasons. Luckily, the most common reason is that they’re happy. However, while rare, cats may also drool due to negative reasons. Therefore, it is crucial for every person with a cat to know when they should be concerned and when they should not be concerned when their cat produces large amounts of spit.
Here are ten reasons why cats are drooling:
Why is my cat drooling?
#1 – Happy Cat Purring
Drooling is a common reaction in cats when they start purring. While a cat is pleased and content, it may drool significantly, while some may drool only a tiny bit, even when purring. There is no need for alarm because this is a perfectly typical activity that falls squarely within the spectrum of daily activities cats engage in.
Consider placing a little blanket between you and your cat whenever you want to cuddle, especially if you don’t want your cat to drool on you while it’s purring.
A cat that only drools when it’s happy and comfortable isn’t a reason for concern because it only does it when it’s sunny and content. It could be a fun trait you won’t have to worry about!
#2 – Suffering Heatstroke
As one of the earliest signs of heatstroke, acute and profuse drooling in cats is common. When cats are hot to dehydration, they will exhibit this symptom. Other signs of heatstroke frequently accompany it, such as heavy breathing and a rapid heart rate. When left outside on days with high temperatures or alone in a vehicle, cats risk suffering from heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Take your cat to the emergency vet as soon as possible if you suspect it may suffer from heatstroke. It will require intravenous fluid therapy to fully recover from this severe and potentially fatal condition.
Don’t expose your cat to the sun for an extended time without being given any water to drink. Interestingly, the likelihood of your cat experiencing this disease is lower than in other animals.
On scorching days, you should do your best to keep your cat indoors where it is cooler, provide it with lots of fresh, clean water, and offer it plenty. Heatstroke can be dangerous.
Additional heatstroke symptoms may include vomiting, stress, rapid heartbeat, shallow breaths, inflamed tongue, and lethargy. If your cat is experiencing all these symptoms, you’ll have to immediately rush your pet to the doctor.
#3 – Dental Disease in Cats
The most common reason for drooling in cats is dental problems. It may frequently drool due to the agony associated with this condition. In some cases, the cat may have severe gum disease that has progressed to the point where it has abscesses and its teeth are rotting.
Drooling can be a symptom of a dental illness of any severity, including mild or moderate. Visit the veterinarian if your cat exhibits any signs of dental disease or other mouth problems. Your cat will need to go to the dentist to get its teeth cleaned. If the issue is particularly severe, it may also require the extraction of several teeth under a general anesthetic.
Drooling in cats is frequently brought on by oral conditions, including gum disease or tooth decay. The accumulation of tartar can irritate the tissue that lines inside your cat’s mouth, causing it to generate an abnormally high amount of saliva. To determine whether or not this is the case, carefully lift your cat’s lip and examine its dental structure.
You should get them evaluated by your veterinarian if the teeth have a rocky texture or are brown. Check as well if the gums are red or bleeding since these are all signs that they may require treatment, which may include scaling and polishing.
#4 – Over Sniffing
Some cats that smell something potent may start to drool after inhaling the same smell repeatedly. For instance, if you get a new cat and your current cat spends much time sniffing the litter box after the new cat uses it, this could cause your cat to drool excessively.
This could also be the case if you get a new dog and your existing dog spends much time sniffing the litter box after the new dog uses it.
No need to panic if your cat’s excessive drooling occurs when it is exposed to a potent odor and then subsides within a few minutes. Because of its normal behavior, you don’t need to worry about taking it to the regular vet or the emergency vet for this behavior-related issue.
#5 – Stress and Anxiety
If your pet is struggling with stress, you may notice that it drools more frequently than usual. You can get yourself ready for excessive drooling in the future if you have a cat that is worried a lot of the time. This happens to cats when they experience a stressful event, such as moving to a new home.
Your vet may recommend that your cat starts on antidepressants or medication for anxiety if it is constantly anxious and stressed out.
Your veterinarian is the only one who can prescribe this kind of medication for your cat. Under no circumstances should you ever give your pet anything intended for humans.
#6 – Accidentally Eating Toxic Substance
Ingestion of toxins can result in severe and unexpected bouts of drooling in cats. This issue arises when your cat consumes something poisonous, such as home cleansers, houseplants, or food for human consumption. This issue can also occur if your cat attempts to ingest a foreign body that becomes stuck in its mouth or throat and then tries to swallow it.
You should take your cat to the emergency veterinarian as soon as possible if you know or believe your cat has taken poison or swallowed a foreign object. While examining your cat’s teeth, you should search in its mouth, around its teeth, and at the back of its mouth. Look for anything that could give it pain, such as a bit of string or a small object.
If you find anything, remove it immediately. Check to see if your cat has been eating something that it shouldn’t have been, as drooling and vomiting are both symptoms that can be caused by eating certain plants. If you cannot remove the foreign object on your own, you should consider seeking the assistance of a veterinarian.
#7 – Nausea and Stomach Issues
In cats, nausea is a common symptom of several illnesses, including cancer, liver disease, renal disease, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and other conditions. Your cat will drool if it is vomiting too much, and nausea in cats is frequently accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as withdrawal or low appetite.
Following the examination of your cat, your veterinarian will probably suggest getting lab work done to understand better the health of your cat’s organs, blood, and urine. Your veterinarian can hone in on precisely what your cat needs in the way of care and treatment moving forward with the assistance of these factors.
Drooling can be a side effect of anything that makes you queasy. Nausea can be a symptom of various inflammatory, viral, or malignant conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. You may also experience other symptoms, such as throwing up, diarrhea, or weight loss. Due to the inability to swallow, saliva will accumulate if a mass or foreign body blocks the esophagus. This condition can be life-threatening.
#8 – Trauma and Injury
If your cat is experiencing pain and drooling, it may have a broken tooth or jaw fracture. These types of injuries can be caused by various foreign objects, such as wood chips or fish hooks, that your cat may come into contact with.
In addition to pain and drooling, your cat may exhibit other symptoms, such as mouth inflammation and difficulty eating or drinking. Another potential cause of pain and drooling in cats is the ingestion of insects, which can cause irritation and inflammation in the mouth.
If you suspect your cat suffers from severe physical trauma after an accident or a fight, it may have a broken tooth or jaw fracture. If it is experiencing pain and drooling for any other reason, it’s essential to seek medical attention from your veterinarian. They will be able to diagnose the cause of the symptoms and provide appropriate treatment to help alleviate your cat’s discomfort and prevent any further damage.
#9 – Neurological Problems
It is possible, but highly uncommon, for the cranial nerves responsible for controlling swallowing to become damaged or paralyzed. Drooling may occur before, during, or after a seizure. This is due to a decreased capacity to swallow, which can be caused by seizure activity.
Drooling is a symptom seen in cats with a neurological illness that affects their ability to move food around their mouth and swallow it. Other neurological symptoms, such as difficulty picking up food, problems chewing, trouble moving their tongue, and challenges with balance, are possible for these cats. Other neurological symptoms include weakness across the entire body.
You will witness more localized indicators affecting only its face if a cat has a problem with the nerves in their head or cranial nerves. This is in contrast to a health condition that affects the entire body, which could show signs in many places of the body.
Various illness processes in cats can cause neurological symptoms. Your veterinarian will examine the issue’s nature and formulate a strategy for further diagnostics and treatment.
#10 – Coping Against Bad Taste
When a cat is given or expects to be given food or medication that has an unpleasant taste, this can be one of the causes of excessive drooling in cats. The body makes an effort to get ready by making more saliva, typically accompanied by the cat running away or trying to resist being swallowed.
Bitter flavors like those in some oral treatments can cause cats to drool excessively. In this particular scenario, the drool might get pretty intense.
Giving your cat medication may help remove the unpleasant taste from their mouth by giving them a drink of water or a treat.
What to do if my cat is drooling?
It’s normal for cats to drool when they are happy and relaxed, such as when they are being petted or handled. However, if your cat is drooling suddenly and this is a new behavior, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian. There could be several reasons your cat is drooling excessively, such as dental issues, foreign objects in the mouth, or underlying medical conditions.
If your cat’s drooling is accompanied by other symptoms, such as bad breath, lack of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, respiratory problems, or lethargy, it’s essential to seek medical attention. These symptoms may indicate a more severe condition, and it’s necessary to have your cat examined by a veterinarian.
They will be able to determine the cause of the drooling and may recommend additional tests or imaging procedures to help with the diagnosis. In the meantime, try wiping your cat’s mouth with a tissue to help keep it clean and dry.
As a cat parent, it’s essential to be patient and understanding when your feline companion is drooling, as this behavior may signify an underlying medical condition or discomfort. It’s your responsibility to provide your cat with the best possible quality of life and to be there to support and help them when they need it.
This may involve working with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat any medical issues that may be causing the drooling and taking steps to make your cat feel comfortable and at ease. Remember that cats are sensitive creatures and may be distressed or anxious if they are experiencing discomfort or pain.
Being patient and attentive to your cat’s needs can help them feel more comfortable and improve their overall health and well-being.
What illness causes a cat to drool?
Your cat’s health must always be your priority as a cat parent. Drooling in cats can be caused by some different medical disorders, including the following:
Oral and Dental Health Problems
A deposit of tartar on the teeth can cause the teeth to rub against the inside lip. This can be verified by pushing the lower lip back, then looking at the teeth and gums underneath. It is recommended that a professional cleaning be performed and frequent brushing of the teeth if the teeth are brown in color and the gums are red, inflamed, or bleeding. Gingivitis, oral ulcers, and tumors are more problems that should be considered.
Organ Diseases
As cats age, they are more likely to suffer liver or renal disease, which can result in excessive salivation. Visiting the veterinarian on a routine basis for exams can aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of illnesses like these.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Drooling may indicate that an infection has developed in the sinuses, nose, or throat. These illnesses are more likely to occur in cats kept in overcrowded conditions or come into contact with other animals. Stress is another potential contributing factor.
Your cat’s health should always be a top priority. One of the best ways to ensure your cat stays healthy is to schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian, even if you think your cat is in good health. These check-ups allow the vet to monitor your cat’s health and catch any potential issues early on.
Suppose your cat has a condition such as hypersalivation or excessive drooling. In that case, the vet can also guide how to manage the situation and help your cat feel more comfortable. Investing in your cat’s health through regular check-ups and good care can help ensure that your feline companion stays healthy and happy for years.
Final Thoughts
When in doubt, have your cat examined by a veterinarian regarding the drooling.
You can see that a few benign conditions might induce drooling in cats, but you shouldn’t be too concerned about them. You probably do not need to take your cat to the veterinarian if its drooling appears to be intermittent or improves quickly.
However, if the drooling is extreme, it is a good idea to take it to the veterinarian so that they may examine it and determine the cause of the problem.
Always remember that knowing what is typical for your cat is the most effective approach to monitoring any changes in their demeanor. This can serve as early warning signs of potential health problems.
Of course, go to the doctor if they suddenly start drooling for no apparent cause, if it persists for longer than expected, or if you notice other indicators or changes in behavior.
Further Reading
