Why Is My Cat Drooling? What Cat Drooling Means

Why Cats Drool

The first question to ask yourself is, is this normal for my cat? Veterinarian Dr. Julie Hunt says that while it might be typical for your cat to occasionally drool when happy or excited, in general, you shouldn’t notice your cat drooling. If the drooling is abnormal for your cat, check with your vet. 

Normal Reasons Cats Drool

Normal reasons that cats occasionally drool include deep relaxation and happiness or excitement. Normal drooling tends to be situational and lasts for only a short time. 

Happiness and Excitement

This is usually a smaller amount of drool and is temporary. A good clue that your cat is drooling due to contentment is that it is paired with other behaviours, such as:

• Purring
• Kneading with paws or “making biscuits”
• Relaxed posture with loose body language and soft eyes
• Rubbing their heads and bodies against you or headbunting
• Slow blinking 
• Sleep: Cats, like people, may occasionally drool in their sleep. This generally indicates they are deeply relaxed.
• Catnip: Catnip can cause drooling in some cats. Because catnip is a stimulant, it can trigger drooling, along with behaviours like licking, rubbing, and rolling.
• Medication: Liquid medications, particularly those that are bitter, like antibiotics, can cause drooling. If your cat continues to drool more than 20 minutes after their medication was given, it might mean the medicine is making them feel nauseous, says Dr. Hunt.
• Anticipation of Food: Though more common in dogs, some cats may drool in anticipation of a favourite meal.

Abnormal Reasons Cats Drool

A range of issues can cause abnormal drooling in cats, including medical conditions and stress. 

Dental Issues

Dental problems are one of the most common causes of drooling in cats, says Dr. Maggie Placer, DMV, Science Program Manager for EveryCat Foundation. Oral issues that can cause drooling in cats include dental disease, viral infections, and oral masses. In addition to drooling, you might notice symptoms like:

• Red, painful, and swollen gums
• Bad breath 
• Difficulty eating
• Pawing at the mouth due to pain or irritation 
• Nausea: Cats may drool due to nausea. This may be caused by something they’ve eaten, GI upset, or car or air travel.
• Toxins: Ingesting something they aren’t supposed to can cause cats to drool. This drooling may be caused by irritation of their mouth or esophagus, GI upset, or the nervous system producing more saliva.

Common toxins for cats include:

• Human foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, and grapes 
• Household plants like lilies, azaleas, tulips, and daffodils
• Medications like ibuprofen, antidepressants, sleeping pills, and cold and flu medication
• Household products like cleaners, essential oils, antifreeze, and fertilizers
• If you think your cat has ingested a toxin, immediately see a vet or call the Pet Poison Hotline

Stress/Anxiety

High stress and anxiety, such as during car rides or vet visits, can sometimes cause drooling in cats. Look for other signs of stress, says Dr. Hunt, including hiding, flattened ears, hissing, growling, or snapping.

Less Common: Trauma to the Head or Neck/Throat or Swallowing Issues/Salivary Gland Disease/Neurological Diseases

Less common issues that can cause drooling in cats include trauma to the head or neck, salivary gland disease, throat issues or neurological problems. If you see symptoms such as head shaking or head tilt, coughing, or difficulty swallowing, eating, breathing, or walking, please see a vet right away. 

When to See a Vet

Cats may drool briefly when they’re relaxed, happy, or expect a treat. However, if drooling is ongoing or excessive, it can mean something else is going on. Check in with your vet.

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Cat magazine. 
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