Cats are fascinating creatures known for their grace, independence, and sometimes mysterious behaviors that puzzle their owners. One such behavior is drooling. While it’s not uncommon for dogs to drool, seeing a cat drooling is surprising. Understanding why cats drool can help pet owners address any underlying issues and ensure their feline friend is healthy and happy.

Common causes of drooling in cats

Cats commonly do not drool unless they have a serious underlying problem that likely requires veterinary care. Here are some of the most common reasons behind your cat’s drooling.

Dental problems in cats

Cats who experience oral pain or discomfort may salivate excessively. Dental problems, such as stomatitis, resorptive lesions, or oral infections, can trigger drooling, sometimes with saliva that is blood-tinged or thick and ropey. If you notice the following signs in your cat, they may have dental disease that is causing their excessive drooling:

  • Bad breath
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Yellow or brown tartar accumulation
  • Enamel erosions
  • Loose or broken teeth
  • Reluctance to eat
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Chewing habit changes
  • Poor grooming

Keep in mind that cats are notorious for hiding signs of pain, injury, or illness, so your feline friend may not show obvious problems until their dental disease has advanced. Closely monitor your cat’s oral health through regular veterinary exams and home check-ups.

Nausea and digestive problems in cats

Cats may drool if they are feeling nauseous or experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) issues, which can be caused by:

  • Toxin ingestion — Cats are notorious for their curious nature that sometimes leads them to ingest toxic substances, such as plants (e.g., lilies, philodendron), human medications, cleaning products, or certain foods (e.g., onions, garlic, chocolate). Ingesting toxins can irritate the GI tract or cause organ dysfunction, inducing nausea, vomiting, and drooling.
  • Gastrointestinal blockage — Foreign objects, hairballs, or masses in the GI tract can obstruct the passage of food and fluids, leading to discomfort, nausea, and drooling. In severe cases, GI blockages require surgical intervention to remove the obstruction.
  • Organ dysfunction — In addition to excessive thirst and urination, nausea, inappetence, and vomiting are common signs of kidney failure in cats. The kidneys fail to adequately filter toxins and metabolic wastes from the bloodstream and the toxin buildup can trigger nausea and drooling.

Heat stress in cats

Although house cats rarely experience heatstroke, cats can overheat if they are inadvertently trapped in vehicles, garages, or other enclosures. Cats who are exposed to high temperatures or confined in poorly ventilated environments may struggle to regulate their body temperature effectively, which can lead to excessive panting, drooling, and potentially, life-threatening heatstroke, if not addressed promptly.

Oral injuries in cats

Cats can develop a multitude of oral injuries that may result in drooling. For example, they may chew on electrical cords out of curiosity or boredom and their mouth may be burned or receive an electric shock. These injuries can cause tissue damage, pain, and drooling.

Cats can also sustain traumatic mouth and tongue injuries from fights with other animals, accidental falls, or sharp objects that can cause bleeding, swelling, and drooling.

The specific cause of your cat’s drooling can be determined only with a thorough examination by your Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital veterinarian, who may need diagnostic tests, such as dental X-rays, bloodwork, fecal analysis, or imaging studies, to accurately pinpoint the underlying issue. Treatment will vary depending on the cause, but prompt veterinary intervention is always essential to alleviate discomfort and ensure your cat’s well-being.

Treatment for drooling in cats

Once a cause for your cat’s drooling has been identified, appropriate treatment can be administered. Treatment for drooling in cats may include:

  • Dental care — Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for maintaining your cat’s oral health. If dental problems are identified, our veterinarian may recommend treatments such as tooth extraction, antibiotics for infections, or special dental diets.
  • Addressing digestive problems — If your cat is drooling because of nausea or GI issues, identifying and addressing the underlying cause is crucial and may involve diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork or imaging. Treatment options may include medication, dietary changes, or surgery, depending on the diagnosis.
  • Cooling measures — If your cat is drooling because of heat stress, they need a cool and comfortable indoor environment and plenty of fresh water at all times. Ensure they have cool surfaces for resting during the scorching summer, especially if your air conditioning cannot keep up with the Texas heat. 
  • First aid for oral injuries — If your cat has injured their mouth, seek veterinary care promptly. Our veterinarian can assess the injury and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include wound cleaning, pain management, and antibiotics to prevent infection.

Pet owners need to understand the common causes of drooling in cats and recognize accompanying signs to ensure their feline friend receives prompt and appropriate treatment. If you spot unusual behavior in your cat, such as drooling, schedule an appointment with our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team.