Some cats drool a little when they’re very happy and relaxed, for example while kneading and purring on your lap. That’s normal. But sudden, heavy or constant drooling is often a sign of a problem in the mouth, nausea, poisoning or another illness, and it should be checked by a vet.
Normal Drooling
- Contentment: some cats drool when they’re being petted, purring and kneading. It’s a leftover from kittenhood, when kneading went with nursing.
- Anticipating food: a few cats drool when they smell their favorite food.
- Stress or fear: some cats drool during car journeys or at the vet, and stop once they’ve calmed down.
- Bad taste: cats often drool or foam after tasting something bitter, such as a medicine.
Drooling That Needs a Vet
Possible medical causes of drooling include:
- dental and mouth problems, such as gum disease, tooth resorption, broken teeth, mouth ulcers or inflammation of the mouth (read more about gingivitis in cats and cat teeth);
- something stuck in the mouth or throat, such as a bone, a thread wrapped under the tongue or a grass seed;
- nausea, which often comes before vomiting;
- poisoning, for example from toxic plants, chemicals, flea products for dogs or licking something toxic off the fur (read more about poisoning in cats);
- cat flu, especially calicivirus, which can cause mouth ulcers;
- heatstroke (read more about heatstroke in cats);
- kidney disease and other illnesses, which can cause mouth ulcers;
- injuries to the mouth or jaw;
- a growth in the mouth, more common in older cats.
When to See the Vet
Go to a vet immediately if the drooling started suddenly and your cat:
- may have been exposed to a poison or chewed a plant;
- is pawing at its mouth, gagging or seems to have something stuck;
- is vomiting, weak, trembling or having difficulty breathing;
- has a swollen face.
Make an appointment if your cat drools regularly, has bad breath, has difficulty eating, drops food, chews on one side or isn’t eating as much as usual.
Don’t try to remove objects stuck in your cat’s mouth or throat yourself, especially string or thread, which can cause serious injuries if pulled. Don’t give any medicines or home remedies: let your vet examine your cat.
Prevention
- brush your cat’s teeth and have them checked by your vet at least once a year;
- keep string, thread, ribbons and small objects out of reach;
- keep toxic plants, medicines and chemicals away from your cat;
- keep your cat’s vaccinations up to date.
