Cat Drooling - Reasons Why Your Cat Drools

Does your furry companion’s drool sometimes catch you off guard? Many cat lovers feel uneasy seeing dripping water from their cat's mouth or spotting excessive drooling on the sofa.

You might wonder if your cat is drooling excessively because of something serious.

Rest assured—you’re in the right place. Let’s remove the mystery around cat drooling so you can keep your pet feeling happy and relaxed without worry.

Key takeaways

• Drooling in cats can be normal, especially during calm purring

• Sudden excessive drooling can signal a health issue like dental disease

• Certain toxins and nausea also cause drooling and require vet attention

• A cat’s drooling might hide mouth pain or an underlying cause

• If you notice major changes, take your cat for a check-up

• Good pet health routines help avoid bigger problems

• Cats may drool when they feel affectionate, but observe if drooling is unusual

Understanding drooling in cats

Your kitty’s saliva typically stays behind their whiskers, so visible dribbling might look alarming.

However, some cats will drool a little when they’re relaxed or kneading on your lap. A content, purring cat—especially a senior cat—might drool just as you or I might tear up when happy.

It’s completely normal in these relaxed cases.

On the flip side, watch for cat drool that’s new, persistent, or unexpectedly heavy.

If your cat is drooling so much that you see wet patches on furniture, it may point to a more serious cause. We’ll discuss how to tell the difference.

Common cause of drooling – excitement or contentment

Some cats drool gently whenever they’re getting petted or enjoying a favourite treat—like a brand-new cat biscuit.

You might see that mild drooling is usually short-lived and isn’t associated with nausea or pain. If you wipe it away and your cat keeps purring and kneading, there’s likely no problem.

Occasional dribbling during intense cuddle sessions is often normal behaviour.

If you’re looking to add variety to your cat’s culinary adventures, consider exploring whether they can handle certain foods—like in the post 'can cats eat rice?'.

Understanding nutritional variety can prevent unexpected drooling triggers from disliked or irritating snacks.

(Always observe overall behaviour—drooling can be a sign of deeper issues.)

Dental troubles and mouth pain

A common cause of drooling is dental disease or sores in the cat’s mouth.
Mouth ulcers, tooth decay, or infected gums can all cause a cat to drool more than usual.

Cats are extremely skilled at hiding discomfort, so drooling might be your first clue.

You can also see head shaking, refusing to eat, or pawing at the mouth.

If you suspect dental pain, look into advice on cat mouth care, such as our ultimate guide to cat dental care.

Timely help could include tooth extractions or appropriate treatment from the veterinarian.

Nausea or digestive upsets

Feeling sick often ramps up saliva production. A nauseous cat may cause a cat to have drooling episodes alongside retching or vomiting.

Additional signs might include a hunched posture, refusing meals, or unusual bathroom visits.

If your cat is drooling and showing distress, it might have a hairball, tummy bug, or more serious GI issue.

Should your cat’s drooling intensify after they’ve eaten something questionable, you might suspect poisoning or an intolerance.

Toxins -like certain plants or cleaning solutions - also cause a cat to drool heavily.

If you suspect your cat has been exposed to any toxins, or has signs of underlying health issues, be sure to make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.

Anxiety or fear

Much like people who salivate when anxious, cats can drool if they’re scared or overwhelmed. Loud noises or visits to unfamiliar places can trigger short-term dribbling.

If this drooling is paired with hiding, wide eyes, or trembling, do your best to reduce the stress.

A plush quiet zone or a cat calming plug in can sometimes mitigate mild anxiety.

Foreign objects or mouth injuries

Sometimes a piece of string, bone fragment, or other object can get lodged in the cat’s mouth, leading to immediate drooling and pawing at the face.

If your cat just ate something new and suddenly starts drooling or acting frantic, check if something is stuck.

Mouth trauma from fights or accidents also inflames tissues, causing drool.

Always be gentle - if you can’t safely remove an object or your cat is in clear distress, take your cat to a vet for professional help.

Serious issues like rabies or toxins

In rare scenarios, drooling can point to rabies infection, but only if your cat is unvaccinated and has come into contact with a rabid animal.

If you see an unusual aggression or foaming at the mouth, call a vet immediately.

As mentioned, more commonly, poisonous substances like chemicals or toxic plants cause excessive drooling and can harm the cat’s system.

Always store household cleaners where curious paws can’t reach.

• Drooling is accompanied by sudden weight loss or lack of appetite

• The cat acts lethargic or hides for hours

• Foul breath: Could hint at dental disease or infection

• Drooling excessively after gnawing or chewing something tough

• The cat may show signs of choking or gagging

• Bleeding from the gums or random lumps in the cat’s mouth

• Noisy breathing or prolonged retching

If you see even a few of these signals, a possible underlying health issue is at play.

Contact your vet if changes persist or worsen.

If the drooling appears simultaneously with skin irritation or scratching, linking it to an external allergen might help.

Check the resources available in our article on cat skin conditions to see if environmental factors could be involved.

1. Regular check-ups: Annual (or biannual) vet appointments catch small concerns before they worsen.

2. Dental maintenance: A gentle brushing routine or recommended dental chews help prevent tooth decay.

3. Safe spaces: Provide quiet corners at home for cats prone to anxious drooling.

4. Watch for toxins: Keep household cleaners, medication, or harmful plants out of the kitty's reach.

5. Slow feeding: If your cat gulps down food, consider puzzle feeders. Rapid eating can sometimes cause drooling or retching.

Preventive care really goes a long way.

If drooling is part of a broader pattern—like throwing up or refusing food—examine the entire scenario to protect your cat’s well-being.

Your cat’s comfort can hinge on swift professional care when troubling symptoms arise.

If you’re concerned about medical costs for tooth extractions or other treatments, Waggel Pet Insurance might help.

Our comprehensive coverage ensures you can focus on the best care for your cat.

With Waggel, you’ll have peace of mind while your kitty recovers from any drooling-related issues - big or small.

Although cats can drool for innocent reasons - like purring in bliss - abnormal drooling might reveal deeper problems.

Mouth pain, dental disease, or accidental exposure to toxins all cause excessive drooling, and ignoring the signs can worsen your cat’s health.

If your cat’s drooling ramps up, especially if they appear nauseous or distressed, do the sensible thing: contact your vet.

Curiosity and caution go hand in hand to keep your furry friend safe and healthy.

Remember, a little drool can be an adorable quirk, but it’s always best to stay vigilant so that a happy drool doesn’t turn into a serious dilemma.