- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Not only do dogs drool, but cats do too! You might see a little spit or bubbles on the side of your cat’s mouth, which is called drooling. Whether drooling is normal or not depends on different things. Cats can drool when they’re happy or relaxed, says Dr. Ruth Roberts, a holistic veterinarian.
However, Dr. Roberts says drooling can also indicate underlying health issues. If your cat drools a lot, they could have gum disease or an abscess. It could also mean your cat is feeling sick to their stomach because of digestive issues or eating something bad.
Below, learn more about why cats drool too much and how to address it.
8 Reasons for Excessive Cat Drooling
When a cat drools a lot, it’s called ptyalism. Find out why cats might drool and if it’s something normal or if you need to take your cat to the vet.
1. They’re happy
Dr. Roberts says some cats drool when they’re very relaxed or happy, especially when purring or being pet.
This drooling is completely harmless and means your cat feels at ease.
2. They took bad-tasting medicine
Have you ever tried a medicine that tasted so bad it made you wrinkle your nose and want to spit it out? Cats can also tell when a medicine tastes bad, but they might start drooling instead of spitting it out.
Some medicines, like metronidazole, taste bad to cats. Don’t worry; this drooling is normal for them too.
3. They’re anxious or afraid
Cats might start drooling when they are stressed, anxious, or scared. This can happen when they travel or move to a new home.
They might also drool from motion sickness.
4. They have tooth problems
Dr. Roberts explains that tooth problems, such as gingivitis, abscesses, and severe gum disease, can make cats drool too much.
She says these issues are often painful and require a trip to the vet. Lastly, cats might drool excessively if they have mouth sores.
5. They’re nauseous
If your cat feels nauseous, they may salivate more than usual.
Dr. Roberts says cats feel nauseous when they:
- Eat something they shouldn’t
- Ingest a toxin
- Have GI issues
6. There’s something in their mouth
If there’s something stuck in your cat’s mouth or throat, Dr. Roberts says it can make them drool a lot and feel uncomfortable,
This is a serious problem; you should take your cat to the vet immediately so they can dislodge whatever’s stuck.
7. They’re sick
Drooling can be a sign of certain health issues, like kidney disease, respiratory infections, and even neurological conditions.
If you notice your cat showing other unusual symptoms besides excessive drooling, schedule a vet visit to determine and treat the underlying cause.
8. They have cancer
Rarely, Dr. Roberts says cats drool excessively when they have oral tumors or cancer.
This serious condition requires extensive testing and exams to determine the right treatment path.
What Symptoms Accompany Cat Drooling?
If your cat’s drooling too much, symptoms can vary depending on the underlying condition. Dr. Roberts says some of these include:
- Foul odors
- Difficulty eating
- GI problems
- Lack of interest in food
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Pawing at the mouth
- Reduced grooming
- Irritability
If your cat begins showing any of these signs, take your cat to the vet.
How Do Vets Diagnose Cat Drooling?
Depending on your cat’s symptoms, vets may use the following to diagnose excessive drooling:
- Oral examination
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- Biopsies
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How Do You Treat Cat Drooling?
Treatment for excessive cat drooling depends on the cause. Below, our experts explain the most common.
- Dental care. Give them dental treats, chew toys, or dental-specific food to clean your cat’s teeth and gums.
- Removing foreign objects. Call your vet to remove any non-food object from your curious kitty’s mouth.
- Purge toxins. If your cat has ingested any toxic substance, call your vet immediately. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435), which are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Treat underlying health issues. If your cat suddenly or constantly begins drooling excessively, take them to the vet to be treated or managed promptly.
- Other medications. For any other causes of excessive drooling, options range from (IV) fluids and medications to antibiotics, enemas, and, in some cases, a lower-protein diet.
How to Keep Your Cat From Drooling Too Much
In certain situations, drooling is completely normal—and not to mention cute! Thus, there’s no need to prevent this sign of a relaxed and content cat.
However, there are ways to prevent other cases of excessive drooling in cats:
- Give water, food, or treats with the medicine. If your cat hates taking it, put it in a pill pocket or give it with other wet food that is more palatable for your kitty.
- Keep their teeth clean. Proper dental hygiene is crucial for a cat’s overall health. Brush their teeth regularly and schedule annual dental check-ups and cleanings.
- Help them de-stress. Dr. Roberts says it’s important to create a calm and secure environment for your cat. You can do this by playing with them regularly and investing in calming pheromones.
- Schedule regular vet visits. Wellness exams help keep you in the know when it comes to your kitty’s health. Whether it’s an annual visit or you notice something different about your cat, like excessive drooling, your vet will detect any health issues and come up with the best treatment plan.
