Drooling in cats can be completely harmless or a sign that something is wrong. Many cats never drool at all, so a cat that suddenly starts is worth paying attention to. This guide covers the common causes, how to tell them apart, and when to get your cat seen.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your cat, your vet is the right person to ask.
Is drooling normal for cats?
Some drooling is normal. Certain cats dribble a little when they are deeply relaxed, purring or kneading. Brief drooling can also happen when a cat is nervous, travelling, or has tasted something bitter. For a quick answer on that question, see is cat drooling normal.
Drooling is more concerning when it is new for your cat, heavy, constant, or comes with other signs such as a poor appetite, bad breath or lethargy.
Common harmless reasons
- Deep relaxation. Some cats drool while purring, being petted or kneading. It is often thought to be a habit linked to nursing as a kitten.
- Stress or fear. A car ride or vet visit can cause temporary drooling.
- Motion sickness. Travel can make some cats feel nauseated and drool.
- Bitter taste. Many liquid medications taste unpleasant and can cause a short burst of drooling or foaming. If this happens after a medication, mention it to your vet.
In these cases the drooling usually stops fairly soon and your cat otherwise seems well.
Medical causes of cat drooling
Mouth and dental problems
Pain or irritation in the mouth is one of the most common reasons for drooling. Possible causes include gum disease, a broken or diseased tooth, and sores inside the mouth. Look for bad breath, dropping food, chewing on one side, pawing at the mouth or reluctance to eat. See our guides to cat mouth ulcers and normal cat gums for what to look for.
A swelling on the face or cheek may point to an infection. Read more in cat abscess on cheek.
Nausea and illness
Cats often drool when they feel sick to their stomach (see cat nausea causes). Nausea can come from many causes, including stomach upset or underlying illnesses such as kidney or liver disease. If drooling comes with vomiting, hiding or a loss of appetite, a vet check is sensible.
Something stuck in the mouth or throat
String, grass, small bones or a toy fragment can lodge in the mouth or throat. A cat with something stuck may paw at its face, gag or drool. Do not pull at anything you cannot clearly and easily see, as this can cause injury.
Poisoning and chemical exposure
Licking or chewing something toxic, such as certain plants, household chemicals or human medications, can cause drooling. Some plants are especially dangerous to cats, and lilies are among the best known. If you think your cat has eaten or licked something toxic, call your vet or a poison helpline straight away rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours a day and may charge a fee.
Heat, trauma and other causes
Overheating can cause heavy drooling in a cat. Mouth injuries, for example from chewing an electrical cord, can also cause drooling. Rabies is a rare cause in places where it is controlled, but it is another reason that unexplained, sudden drooling should be checked, especially if your cat’s vaccination status is unknown.
Cat drooling but acting normal
A cat that drools but otherwise eats, plays and behaves as usual may simply be relaxed or mildly stressed. Still, it is worth checking a few things:
- Is this new, or has your cat always done it?
- Is the drooling more than occasional?
- Does your cat have bad breath, or does it favor one side of the mouth when eating?
If the drooling is new, repeated, or you notice any of those signs, book a vet appointment even if your cat seems cheerful. Cats are good at hiding discomfort, and mouth pain in particular can be easy to miss.
When to worry about cat drooling
Contact your vet promptly if you notice:
- Sudden or heavy drooling, or drooling that does not stop
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Pawing at the mouth, dropping food or crying while eating
- Bad breath, bleeding, or visible sores or swelling
- Vomiting, lethargy or hiding
- Drooling after possible contact with a plant, chemical or medication
Seek emergency care straight away if drooling is accompanied by difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, pale or bluish gums, or if you suspect poisoning or heatstroke.
What to do if your cat is drooling
- Stay calm and move your cat somewhere quiet and cool.
- Think about what may have happened: a new medication, plant, cleaning product, or recent stress.
- If it is safe and your cat allows it, take a quick look at the mouth for obvious problems. Do not force the mouth open or pull on anything stuck.
- Remove any possible toxin from reach, and keep the packaging or plant name to show your vet.
- Call your vet for advice, describing how long the drooling has gone on and any other symptoms.
What the vet may do
Your vet will usually start with a physical exam and a check of the mouth. Depending on what they find, they may suggest dental X-rays, bloodwork, or sedation or anesthesia for a closer look. Treatment depends entirely on the cause, from dental care to treating infection, pain or underlying illness.
Everyday mouth care and prevention
- Have your cat’s teeth and gums checked at regular vet visits (see how often a cat needs dental cleaning).
- Ask your vet about home dental care that suits your cat.
- Keep toxic plants, chemicals and medications out of reach.
- Keep string, tinsel and small objects away from curious cats.
- Check your cat’s mouth occasionally so you learn what is normal for them. Our guides to healthy cat tongue color and normal cat gums can help.
FAQ
Do cats drool when happy?
Some do. Drooling while purring or kneading can be normal for a relaxed cat, but a new pattern is still worth mentioning to your vet.
Why is my cat drooling but acting normal?
It may be contentment or mild stress, but early mouth problems can look similar. If it is new or repeated, have your cat checked.
Can a dry mouth be a problem too?
Yes. Too little saliva can be linked to dehydration or illness. See cat dry mouth for more.