Why Do Cat Drool: Common Reasons Revealed

Why Do Cats Drool: Common Reasons Revealed

Cats drooling can be a puzzling behavior for many pet owners. While it’s not as common as drooling in dogs, feline drooling can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from simple contentment to more serious medical issues. What is cat drool? Cat drool, or cat saliva, is a clear, watery fluid produced by the salivary glands in a cat’s mouth. It’s a normal bodily fluid, essential for digestion and oral health, but excessive drooling can signal that something is amiss.

Fathoming Feline Drooling: When is it Normal?

It’s important to differentiate between occasional, minor drooling and persistent, heavy drooling. Like dogs, cats produce saliva constantly. However, they have a more efficient swallowing mechanism that typically keeps saliva contained within their mouths. When this mechanism is overwhelmed or when there’s an overproduction of saliva, drooling occurs.

Contentment and Comfort: Drooling When Happy

One of the most endearing reasons for cat drooling is pure bliss. Many cats associate drooling with extreme relaxation and happiness, often accompanied by purring. This behavior is frequently seen when a cat is being petted, cuddled, or is in a particularly comfortable and safe environment. It’s a carryover from their kittenhood when they might have drooled while nursing from their mother. This type of drooling is usually intermittent, mild, and the cat appears otherwise healthy and content.

Kittenhood Habits: A strong connection between nursing and comfort.
Deep Relaxation: Associated with purring and petting.
Positive Associations: Linked to feeling safe and loved.

Stress and Anxiety: Drooling When Stressed

Conversely, drooling can also be a sign of stress or anxiety in cats. When a cat feels threatened, scared, or overwhelmed, they can enter a “fight or flight” mode, which can trigger various physiological responses, including increased salivation. This might be observed during car rides, vet visits, or when exposed to unfamiliar people or animals. Cat drooling when stressed can be more profuse than drooling from happiness, and the cat might exhibit other signs of distress such as hiding, vocalizing, flattened ears, or a tucked tail.

Fear Response: The body’s reaction to perceived danger.
Overstimulation: Too much noise, activity, or unfamiliarity.
Behavioral Indicators: Look for other signs of anxiety.

Deciphering Medical Causes of Feline Drooling

While happiness and stress can cause temporary drooling, persistent or excessive drooling often points to an underlying medical issue. It’s crucial to consult a veterinarian if you notice a sudden increase in drooling or if it’s accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Oral Health Problems: The Mouth Matters

The most common cat drooling causes are related to issues within the mouth. Anything that irritates or causes pain in the oral cavity can lead to increased saliva production and drooling.

Dental Disease

Dental disease, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption, is a prevalent cause of drooling in cats. Inflammation of the gums or pain from decaying or broken teeth stimulates excessive cat saliva production.

Symptoms to Watch For: Bad breath, red or swollen gums, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, dropping food.
Treatment: Professional dental cleaning, tooth extraction if necessary.

Mouth Sores and Ulcers

Cats can develop painful sores or ulcers in their mouths due to various reasons:

Viral Infections: Feline herpesvirus or calicivirus can cause oral lesions.
Inflammatory Conditions: Eosinophilic granuloma complex can manifest in the mouth.
Chemical Irritation: Ingestion of certain plants, chemicals, or even harsh dental products.
Foreign Objects: A piece of bone, twig, or toy lodged in the mouth or throat.

Symptoms of mouth sores include drooling, reluctance to eat, pawing at the mouth, and sometimes bleeding.

Oral Tumors

Tumors in the mouth, while less common, can also cause significant drooling. These can be benign or malignant and can obstruct swallowing or cause irritation.

Types: Squamous cell carcinoma is a common oral cancer in cats.
Signs: Persistent drooling, bad breath, difficulty eating, weight loss, visible lumps.

Gums and Tongue Irritation

Inflammation of the gums or tongue (stomatitis or glossitis) can lead to drooling. This can be caused by infections, allergies, or immune-mediated diseases.

Ingestion of Irritants or Toxins

Accidental ingestion of something irritating or toxic is a serious cat drooling cause. Cats are curious creatures and may nibble on plants, lick spills, or chew on foreign objects.

Toxic Plants

Many common household plants are toxic to cats. Ingesting even a small amount can cause oral irritation and excessive drooling.

Examples: Lilies (highly toxic, even pollen), Pothos, Dieffenbachia, Philodendron.
Action: If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.

Household Chemicals and Medications

Accidental ingestion of cleaning products, antifreeze, certain essential oils, or human medications can cause oral irritation, burns, and significant drooling.

Antifreeze: Its sweet taste makes it particularly dangerous. Even a small lick can be fatal.
Essential Oils: Many essential oils are toxic when ingested or applied to the skin.
Prompt Veterinary Care: Crucial for any suspected poisoning.

Foreign Body Ingestion

Swallowing a foreign object, such as a string, plastic piece, or small toy, can cause irritation or blockage in the mouth, throat, or esophagus, leading to drooling.

Respiratory Issues

Problems in the upper respiratory tract or nasal passages can also contribute to drooling.

Nasal Congestion and Infections

When a cat has severe nasal congestion or a respiratory infection, they may breathe through their mouth, leading to increased drooling as their mouth is open more often. This can also lead to a loss of sense of smell, affecting their appetite.

Symptoms: Sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, decreased appetite.
Causes: Viral infections (like feline herpesvirus), bacterial infections, allergies.

Upper Airway Obstruction

Anything obstructing airflow through the nose or trachea can cause a cat to drool. This could be due to inflammation, polyps, or a foreign object.

Gastrointestinal Upset: Cat Drooling Nausea

Nausea is a common reason for drooling in cats, just as it is in humans. When a cat feels nauseous, their salivary glands increase production, and they may drool excessively. This can be a sign of various gastrointestinal issues.

Digestive System Problems

Ingestion of Bad Food: Eating something spoiled or unpalatable.
Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Blockages: Intestinal blockages can cause severe nausea and vomiting.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can lead to nausea and drooling.

Ingestion of Hairballs

While generally normal, large or undigested hairballs can cause mild nausea and drooling as the cat tries to pass them.

Motion Sickness

Similar to humans, some cats experience motion sickness during car travel, which can manifest as drooling, panting, and vomiting.

Neurological Issues

Although less common, neurological problems can affect the muscles and nerves controlling swallowing, leading to drooling.

Nerve Damage: Injury or inflammation affecting cranial nerves.
Brain Conditions: Certain brain disorders can impact motor control.

Kidney Disease

Advanced kidney disease can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, causing nausea, vomiting, and consequently, drooling.

Drooling During Veterinary Procedures

Cat drooling anesthesia is a very common and normal occurrence. Anesthesia relaxes the muscles, including those responsible for swallowing. This, combined with the intravenous fluids and medications administered during a procedure, can cause a cat to drool significantly while under anesthesia and during recovery. It is a temporary effect and is not a cause for concern in this context.

When to Seek Veterinary Attention

It is important to monitor your cat’s drooling habits. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to schedule a visit with your veterinarian:

Sudden increase in drooling.
Drooling accompanied by other symptoms: Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, pawing at the mouth, visible sores or swelling.
Persistent drooling that is not associated with happiness or relaxation.
Changes in behavior: Hiding, aggression, or unusual quietness.
Suspected ingestion of toxins or foreign objects.

Diagnostic Process: How Vets Investigate Drooling

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on your cat’s oral cavity, head, and neck. They may also recommend diagnostic tests such as:

Dental Examination: Checking for tartar, gingivitis, broken teeth, or oral masses.
Blood Work: To assess organ function and check for infection or inflammation.
Urinalysis: To evaluate kidney function.
X-rays or Ultrasound: To examine internal organs if gastrointestinal or other systemic issues are suspected.
Biopsy: If an oral mass is found, a biopsy may be needed to determine if it is cancerous.

Managing and Treating Feline Drooling

Treatment for drooling depends entirely on the underlying cause.

Dental Disease: Professional cleaning and possible tooth extractions.
Infections: Antibiotics or antiviral medications.
Toxin Ingestion: Supportive care, decontamination, and specific antidotes if available.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Dietary changes, medications to reduce nausea or treat underlying conditions.
Stress: Environmental enrichment, pheromone diffusers, anti-anxiety medication, and behavioral modification.
Oral Masses: Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy depending on the type and stage of the tumor.

Preventing Drooling: Proactive Care

While not all causes of drooling can be prevented, some steps can reduce the risk:

Regular Dental Care: Brushing your cat’s teeth and providing dental treats can help prevent dental disease.
Safe Environment: Keep toxic plants and chemicals out of reach.
Supervision: Prevent your cat from chewing on potentially harmful objects.
Stress Reduction: Create a calm and predictable environment for your cat.
Annual Vet Check-ups: Early detection of health issues can prevent more serious problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can my cat drool from eating something bad?
A1: Yes, if your cat eats something unpalatable, irritating, or toxic, it can cause them to drool. This is often a sign of cat drooling nausea or oral irritation.

Q2: Is drooling during car rides normal for cats?
A2: Some cats experience motion sickness and may drool during car rides. This is similar to human motion sickness and is not usually a cause for concern if it resolves when the ride ends.

Q3: My cat drools when purring. Is this a problem?
A3: No, cat drooling when happy and purring is generally a sign of contentment and relaxation. It’s usually mild and intermittent.

Q4: What should I do if my cat is suddenly drooling excessively?
A4: If the drooling is sudden, excessive, or accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Q5: Can my cat drool due to allergies?
A5: Yes, allergies, particularly those affecting the mouth or respiratory system, can sometimes lead to increased salivation and drooling in cats.

By paying attention to your cat’s behavior and any changes in their drooling habits, you can help ensure they remain healthy and happy. When in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian.