A dry mouth is not a disease in itself. It is a sign, and it can be linked to dehydration, illness or problems in the mouth. Because the causes range from minor to serious, a cat that has a dry mouth along with other signs of illness should be seen by a vet. This article is general information only.
What dry mouth looks like in cats
You may notice:
- Gums that feel tacky or dry instead of wet and slippery
- Thick, stringy or sticky saliva
- A dry tongue
- Bad breath
- Reluctance to eat, especially dry food
- Lethargy
Compare with a healthy mouth: see normal cat gums and healthy cat tongue color.
Possible causes
- Dehydration. Not drinking enough, vomiting, diarrhea or illness can all lead to fluid loss.
- Underlying illness. Conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes or fever may affect hydration.
- Mouth breathing or panting. This dries the mouth and can signal stress, overheating or breathing problems.
- Oral disease (see what healthy cat teeth look like). Painful gums, ulcers or severe inflammation such as stomatitis may change how the mouth feels and how much your cat eats and drinks. See cat mouth ulcers.
- Salivary gland problems. Rarely, disorders of the salivary glands can affect saliva production.
- Medications. Some drugs can have a drying effect. Ask your vet if your cat has started something new.
Dehydration signs
Possible signs include:
- Tacky or dry gums
- Reduced energy
- Poor appetite
- Sunken eyes
- Less urine than usual
The old “skin tent” test is not very reliable, especially in thin or older cats, so do not rely on it alone. If you are worried about hydration, call your vet.
Dry mouth versus too much drool
Dry mouth and drooling can both occur with mouth pain or illness, sometimes even in the same cat at different times. If you notice heavy drooling instead, see cat drooling.
What you can do at home
- Make fresh water easy to reach in several spots.
- Try a wide, shallow bowl, a pet fountain, or a different type of bowl, as some cats have strong preferences.
- Offer wet food, which contains more moisture than dry food.
- Keep water bowls away from litter boxes and food.
- Keep your cat comfortable, calm and cool.
Rehydrating a cat: what is safe
Be cautious about trying to force fluids. Squirting liquid into a cat’s mouth can cause choking or inhaled fluid, especially if the cat is weak or unwell. Do not give milk or flavored drinks as a rehydration measure. If your cat is not drinking, is lethargic or has been vomiting, rehydration is often best done by a vet, who may give fluids under the skin or through a drip.
When to call the vet
Contact your vet if:
- The dry mouth lasts or recurs
- Your cat is not drinking or eating
- There is vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or hiding
- You notice mouth sores, swelling or bad breath
- Your cat is panting or breathing with an open mouth
Cats that go without food or water can become seriously ill, so do not wait long.
Mouth masses and serious illness
Some readers arrive here worried about mouth tumors or end-of-life changes. A lump, growth or non-healing sore in the mouth always needs a veterinary exam, and outlook varies widely depending on the type and stage, so a vet is the only reliable source of that information. Signs such as not eating, severe weakness or hiding can have many causes, and your vet can help you understand what is happening and discuss comfort and care.
FAQ
How do I rehydrate my cat quickly?
Offer fresh water and wet food, but if your cat is lethargic, vomiting or refusing to drink, call your vet promptly.
What is wrong with my cat’s mouth?
Many things can affect the mouth, including dental disease, ulcers, infections and abscesses. Read about cat abscess on cheek if you see swelling.