While drooling is often associated with dogs, you might be surprised to find your feline friend leaving wet spots around the house. Cat drooling, also known medically as hypersalivation or ptyalism, occurs when saliva escapes the mouth instead of being swallowed. This can be due to an overproduction of saliva or issues within the mouth or throat that make swallowing difficult.
However, before you panic, it’s important to know that not all instances of cat drooling are cause for alarm. Let’s delve into the various reasons behind why your cat might be drooling and when it’s time to seek professional veterinary advice.
Normal Reasons for Cat Drooling: When to Relax
Contentment and Relaxation
A little bit of drooling can actually be a normal behavior in cats, especially when they are feeling happy and extremely relaxed. You might notice your cat drooling while purring contentedly on your lap or kneading their paws on a soft blanket.
This phenomenon is thought to be linked to the release of endorphins during pleasurable activities like purring and kneading. These endorphins can stimulate the salivary glands to produce more saliva. Some experts believe this behavior might be rooted in their kittenhood, reminiscent of the nursing period when they naturally drooled while feeding from their mother. If your cat’s drooling is limited to these moments of pure bliss and they are otherwise healthy, there’s likely no need to worry.
When Drooling Signals a Problem: Causes for Concern
While happy drooling is normal, excessive drooling or drooling in unusual situations can be a red flag. Here are several reasons why your cat might be drooling that warrant closer attention and potentially a vet visit:
Stress and Anxiety
Just like happiness can trigger endorphin release, so can stress. When cats experience fear or anxiety, their bodies may also release endorphins as a stress response, which can, in turn, lead to drooling.
Drooling due to anxiety is often accompanied by other telltale signs of feline distress, such as:
- Vocalization (excessive meowing, hissing, or growling)
- Flattened ears pressed against the head
- Dilated pupils
- Restlessness or attempts to escape
- Panting
Common anxiety triggers for cats include car rides and visits to the veterinarian. If your cat drools during these events and exhibits other anxiety symptoms, it’s a good idea to discuss strategies with your vet to make these situations less stressful. Options like pheromone diffusers and sprays, calming supplements, or even anti-anxiety medications can be helpful.
Nausea
Drooling can be a significant indicator of nausea in cats. Motion sickness during car travel is a frequent cause of nausea-related drooling. However, nausea can also stem from other issues such as hairballs or gastrointestinal upset.
If your cat’s drooling is due to nausea, you might observe additional symptoms like:
- Vomiting or retching
- Decreased appetite or refusal to eat
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Hiding more than usual
If you suspect your cat is drooling due to nausea, monitoring for other symptoms and consulting your veterinarian is important to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Oral Pain and Dental Issues
Problems within the mouth are a very common reason for excessive drooling in cats. Dental disease, in its various forms, can be a significant source of oral pain and discomfort leading to increased saliva production.
Conditions like:
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums caused by tartar buildup, leading to pain and drooling.
- Periodontitis: More advanced gum disease affecting the tissues supporting the teeth, causing pain, loose teeth, and drooling.
- Mouth Ulcers: Painful sores in the mouth that can make swallowing difficult and increase saliva production.
- Oral Tumors/Cancer: Growths in the mouth can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty swallowing, leading to drooling.
- Foreign Objects: Objects lodged in the mouth or throat, such as splinters of bone or toys, can irritate the tissues and cause drooling.
Drooling caused by oral issues is often accompanied by other signs, including:
- Foul breath odor
- Blood-tinged saliva
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Difficulty eating or decreased appetite
- Dropping food while eating
If you notice these signs along with drooling, a veterinary dental examination is crucial. Many cats require sedation or anesthesia for a thorough oral exam and treatment.
Ingestion of Toxins or Poisons
Exposure to various toxins and poisons can trigger drooling in cats. This can be due to direct irritation of the mouth and esophagus, nausea caused by gastrointestinal upset, or the toxin itself affecting the nervous system and stimulating saliva production.
Common household toxins that can cause drooling in cats include:
- Certain houseplants (lilies, daffodils, tulips, etc.)
- Cleaning products
- Antifreeze
- Insecticides
- Medications intended for humans
If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic substance, immediate action is critical. Contact the Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian immediately for guidance.
Medication Administration
Sometimes, medications prescribed by your veterinarian, even those safe for cats, can have an unpleasant taste. Liquid medications or the act of chewing on a bitter pill can frequently cause a cat to drool excessively as a reaction to the taste. This type of drooling is usually temporary and subsides once the taste is gone.
Heatstroke
In extremely hot environments, a cat can develop heatstroke, and drooling can be one of the symptoms. Cats suffering from heatstroke are often also panting heavily and showing signs of distress.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. If you suspect your cat is experiencing heatstroke, immediate veterinary attention is crucial.
Rabies
While rare, rabies is a serious viral disease that can cause excessive drooling in cats, among other neurological symptoms and behavioral changes. Rabies vaccination is highly effective in preventing this deadly disease.
Rabies is fatal and can be transmitted to humans. Ensuring your cat is vaccinated against rabies, even indoor cats, is vital for both your pet’s safety and your own.
When Should You Worry About Cat Drooling?
While occasional drooling during purring is usually harmless, it’s important to be vigilant about changes in your cat’s drooling habits.
It’s always a good idea to discuss any drooling with your veterinarian during your cat’s regular wellness exam.
Schedule a vet appointment if:
- Drooling is a new behavior for your cat.
- Your cat is drooling excessively.
- Drooling occurs frequently.
- You notice any other accompanying symptoms, even if your cat seems to be acting normally otherwise.
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your cat is drooling and also exhibiting:
- Decreased appetite or refusing to eat
- Abnormal behavior, lethargy, or hiding
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Suspected toxin ingestion
Cat Drooling FAQs
Why does my cat drool when I pet him and he purrs?
This is likely a sign of contentment and relaxation! The endorphins released when your cat is happy and purring can stimulate saliva production, similar to when kittens nurse. It’s usually nothing to worry about.
What should I do if my cat is drooling excessively but acting normal otherwise?
Even if your cat seems to be acting normally, a sudden increase in drooling warrants a veterinary check-up. Cats are masters at masking illness, and drooling could be an early indicator of an underlying health issue. Schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
Do cats drool when they are sick?
Yes, pain and illness are common causes of drooling in cats. If drooling is a new development for your cat, it’s important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
By understanding the various reasons behind why your cat might drool, you can be better equipped to determine whether it’s a sign of contentment or a potential health concern and take appropriate action to ensure your feline companion’s well-being.
