While we often associate drooling with our canine companions, Cat Excessive Drooling, also known as hypersalivation or ptyalism, is a real phenomenon. It occurs when saliva is released from your cat’s mouth rather than being swallowed normally. This can stem from an overproduction of saliva or issues within the mouth or throat that hinder swallowing. Although occasional, minor drooling can be perfectly normal in some content and relaxed cats, excessive drooling in cats is often a signal that something more serious might be going on.
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Is Your Cat Drooling Too Much? Know When to See a Vet
It’s natural to be concerned when you notice your cat excessively drooling. While a little cat drooling now and then, especially when they are happy, might be normal, it’s important to distinguish between normal cat drooling and when it becomes a cause for concern. Excessive drooling, or a sudden increase in drooling, can indicate underlying issues ranging from anxiety and stress to serious illnesses or injuries.
If you’re observing cat excessive drooling, it’s crucial to monitor the situation closely. If the drooling seems excessive, persistent, or is accompanied by other symptoms, scheduling a veterinary check-up is essential. Many of the underlying causes of excessive drooling in cats require professional veterinary evaluation to diagnose and treat effectively. Don’t hesitate to seek expert advice to ensure your feline friend’s health and wellbeing.
Decoding Cat Drooling: Common Causes
Understanding why your cat is drooling is the first step in addressing the issue. The reasons behind cat drooling are varied, and while some are benign, others demand immediate attention. Let’s explore the common causes of drooling in cats, ranging from normal behaviors to potential medical emergencies.
Relaxation and Happiness
One of the most endearing reasons for cat drooling is simply pure contentment. If you notice your cat drooling when they are purring contentedly on your lap, being petted, or even during sleep, it’s often a sign they are completely relaxed and happy. The release of endorphins during pleasurable activities like purring or kneading can stimulate the salivary glands, leading to mild drooling.
This type of happy cat drooling is often linked back to kittenhood. Many cats who drool when happy started this behavior as very young kittens, possibly associating it with the comforting and secure feeling of nursing from their mothers. It’s a harmless and even heartwarming reason for cat drooling, signifying your cat feels safe and loved.
Stress, Fear, and Anxiety
Just as endorphins can be released during happy moments, they are also released as a stress response. This means that cat drooling can also be a symptom of fear, stress, or anxiety. When a cat feels threatened or anxious, they might start to drool, often accompanied by other tell-tale signs of stress.
This stress-induced cat drooling will often be accompanied by other behavioral cues, such as vocalization (excessive meowing or hissing), flattened ears, a tense body posture, and attempts to hide or escape the stressful situation. Common triggers for anxiety-related drooling include car rides, visits to the veterinarian, loud noises, or the introduction of new environments or animals.
If you suspect your cat’s drooling is due to stress or anxiety, it’s important to identify and minimize the triggers. Consulting with your veterinarian about strategies to manage cat anxiety can be beneficial. Options such as environmental enrichment, pheromone diffusers or sprays, calming supplements, and in some cases, anxiety medications can significantly reduce stress and alleviate stress-related drooling. Creating a calm and predictable environment for your feline friend is key to minimizing anxiety and associated symptoms like excessive drooling.
Nausea and Gastrointestinal Upset
Cat drooling can be a significant indicator of nausea. Similar to humans, when cats feel nauseous, their saliva production can increase as a protective mechanism. Motion sickness during car rides is a common cause of nausea-induced drooling in cats. However, nausea and subsequent drooling can also stem from various gastrointestinal issues.
Conditions like hairballs, indigestion, or more serious gastrointestinal upsets can trigger nausea and lead to cat drooling. If your cat is drooling due to nausea, you might observe other accompanying symptoms such as vomiting, decreased appetite, lip licking, or a general reluctance to eat. It’s crucial to monitor your cat for these additional signs if you suspect nausea is the reason behind their drooling.
If nausea is suspected, especially if accompanied by vomiting or loss of appetite, veterinary attention is advisable. The underlying cause of the nausea needs to be identified and addressed to resolve the drooling and ensure your cat’s digestive health.
Oral Pain and Dental Issues
Dental disease and oral pain are frequent culprits behind cat excessive drooling. Problems within the mouth can directly stimulate saliva production or make swallowing painful and difficult, leading to drooling. Various dental issues can cause oral pain and subsequent drooling in cats.
Tartar buildup, a common dental problem in cats, can lead to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and painful mouth ulcers. Loose or broken teeth can also cause significant discomfort and difficulty swallowing, resulting in drooling. More seriously, oral tumors or mouth cancer can present with similar symptoms, including excessive drooling. Even foreign objects lodged in the mouth or throat can cause intense drooling.
Drooling due to oral pain or dental disease is often accompanied by other noticeable signs. These can include foul breath, blood-tinged saliva, pawing at the face or mouth, and a decreased appetite or difficulty eating. If you observe these symptoms alongside cat excessive drooling, a thorough veterinary dental examination is necessary. Many cats require sedation or anesthesia for a comprehensive oral exam and appropriate dental treatment. Addressing dental issues promptly is crucial not only to stop the drooling but also to prevent further health complications and pain for your cat.
Ingestion of Toxins and Poisons
Exposure to toxins and poisons is a serious and potentially life-threatening cause of cat drooling. Many common household substances, plants, chemicals, and medications can be toxic to cats and trigger excessive drooling. The drooling can be a direct reaction to irritation in the mouth or esophagus caused by the toxic substance. Additionally, some toxins induce nausea and gastrointestinal upset, which, as discussed earlier, can also lead to drooling. In some cases, specific toxins can directly stimulate saliva production through the nervous system.
Household plants, cleaning products, certain human medications, antifreeze, insecticides, and even some foods are among the many potential toxins that can cause cat poisoning and drooling. If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic substance, immediate action is critical.
If you have any suspicion that your cat has ingested a toxin or poison, it’s imperative to contact the Pet Poison Helpline® or your veterinarian immediately. Time is of the essence in toxin cases, and prompt intervention can significantly improve your cat’s prognosis. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically directed to do so by a veterinary professional, as this can sometimes cause further harm.
Medication Administration
While medications are meant to help our feline friends, sometimes the process of giving medication can lead to temporary cat drooling. Many medications, especially liquid formulations or pills that are bitter-tasting when chewed, can cause a cat to drool excessively. This is often simply a reaction to the taste and is usually not a cause for serious concern unless it persists for an extended period.
The drooling in these cases is typically a short-lived, immediate response to the taste of the medication. It’s important to ensure that your cat actually swallows the medication and isn’t just spitting it out mixed with saliva, which could be mistaken for drooling. If the drooling is excessive, prolonged, or accompanied by other symptoms after medication administration, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian to rule out any adverse reactions or underlying issues.
Heatstroke and Overheating
Heatstroke is a critical medical emergency in cats, and drooling can be one of the symptoms. When a cat is exposed to excessively hot environments or is unable to regulate their body temperature effectively, they can develop heatstroke. In addition to drooling, cats suffering from heatstroke often exhibit other alarming signs.
These signs include heavy breathing, rapid panting, lethargy, weakness, increased heart rate, and even collapse. Heatstroke is a severe condition that requires immediate veterinary intervention.
If you suspect your cat is experiencing heatstroke, it is crucial to seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Move your cat to a cooler environment, offer them cool (not cold) water, and use cool, damp cloths on their body while transporting them to the nearest veterinary emergency clinic. Prevention is key; always ensure your cat has access to shade, fresh water, and a cool environment, especially during hot weather.
Rabies (Rare but Serious)
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and, while rare, it is a fatal condition. Excessive drooling is a classic symptom of rabies in animals, including cats. However, it’s important to note that rabies is uncommon in vaccinated adult cats.
Rabies-related drooling is typically accompanied by other significant neurological and behavioral abnormalities. These can include changes in behavior (aggression or unusual tameness), paralysis, seizures, difficulty swallowing, and other signs of nervous system dysfunction.
If your cat is unvaccinated against rabies and exhibits clinical signs, including excessive drooling along with neurological symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately and local animal control. Due to the public health risk and the fatal nature of rabies, protocols for suspected cases are stringent and may include quarantine or, in some cases, humane euthanasia. Rabies vaccination is vital for cats, even indoor cats, as it protects them and also safeguards human health.
When is Cat Drooling a Cause for Worry?
While we’ve covered various reasons for cat drooling, it’s important to reiterate when cat excessive drooling should be a cause for concern and warrant a veterinary visit. Drooling in cats is not as common as in dogs, so any instance of noticeable or persistent drooling should be taken seriously.
As a general rule, if the drooling is a new behavior for your cat, if you consider it excessive, or if it occurs frequently, it’s prudent to schedule a veterinary checkup, even if your cat seems otherwise normal. Cats are masters at masking illness, so even if they are acting relatively normally, underlying issues might be present.
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your cat’s drooling is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite or decreased eating
- Abnormal behavior, lethargy, or hiding
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Foul odor from the mouth
- Suspected ingestion of toxins or poisons
- Signs of heatstroke
In these situations, the drooling is likely a symptom of a more serious underlying problem that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Don’t delay in seeking veterinary care if you observe these concerning signs alongside cat excessive drooling.
Cat Drooling: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my cat drool when I pet him?
If your cat drools while you are petting them, especially if they are also purring, it’s highly likely they are simply very happy and relaxed. This type of drooling is often associated with contentment and is a positive sign that your cat is enjoying the interaction and feels comfortable and safe. It’s a normal and endearing behavior in some cats.
What should I do if my cat is drooling excessively but acting normal?
Even if your cat is behaving normally, if you notice a significant increase in drooling or excessive drooling, it’s still recommended to consult with your veterinarian. Cats are adept at hiding signs of illness, and excessive drooling can be an early indicator of an underlying health issue. It’s best to schedule a veterinary appointment to rule out any potential medical problems. Early detection and intervention are often key to successful treatment.
Do cats drool when they are sick?
Yes, illness and pain are common reasons for cat drooling. If drooling is a new behavior for your cat, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like decreased appetite, lethargy, or changes in behavior, it’s important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. Drooling can be a sign of various health problems, ranging from dental disease to systemic illnesses, so a veterinary check-up is crucial to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
[WRITTEN BY]
Jamie Lovejoy, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Jamie Lovejoy graduated from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012 after an undergraduate degree in Marine Biology. …
