Cats are known for their strange, quirky behaviors—kneading, having an affinity for boxes, knocking things over, and more.
Many funny feline behaviors are perfectly normal; some can even be entertaining as you watch your cat play out her instincts. Some behaviors, though, can feel a bit unnerving, leaving you to wonder whether it’s simply another cat quirk or a more serious sign that something is wrong.
Read on to learn about some common causes of cat drooling, and whether your cat’s drool is a cause for concern.
Cat Drooling: Is it Normal?
As much as we would love to give a straight yes or no answer, the fact of the matter is that every cat is different. Is cat drooling normal? The short answer: it depends.
Some cats may drool as an indicator of feeling happy and relaxed. Perhaps you tend to notice a few spit bubbles or even a single droplet of saliva near your cat’s mouth while she’s purring, rubbing against you, and kneading your lap, for example. If happy drooling has been a recurring behavior since your cat was a kitten, chances are there’s nothing to worry about (other than how you’re going to clean up that mess)!
If your cat suddenly begins drooling as an adult, however, it could be a sign that something is wrong—especially if that drooling is accompanied by additional changes in your kitty’s behavior and appearance.
Why Do Cats Drool?
As mentioned above, drooling could be a perfectly normal sign that your cat is feeling comfortable and content. However, it could also be a sign that your cat has an issue that needs to be addressed.
Common causes of cat drooling include:
Dental Problems
Cat drooling may be a sign of dental problems. You may also notice that your kitty has a difficult time eating, favoriting soft wet food over kibble or chewing with her head to the side.
Oral injuries can also contribute to cat drooling—jaw or skull fractures or burns caused by chewing on electrical cords, for example. While you may not be able to see the injury externally, drooling may be a sign to seek veterinary care.
Respiratory Issues
Some cats can contract viruses that result in lingering, on-and-off respiratory issues evidenced by sneezing, a runny nose, eye discharge, and, of course, drooling.
These kitty colds tend to flare up during times of stress or other illness. Check out these tips to boost your cat’s immune system to help her fight off infections and illnesses and feel more comfortable overall.
Throat/Intestinal Blockage
Does your curious kitty like to put foreign objects in her mouth? If she’s like most cats, the answer is yes—and sometimes those foreign objects such as string or ribbon can get stuck in her throat or intestines. These blockages can lead to feelings of nausea, which can cause your cat to drool.
If you think your cat has ingested something she shouldn’t have, talk to your vet.
Unpleasant Taste
If your cat eats something that tastes bad, such as a medicine or a new food that she doesn’t like, she may instinctively drool as a way to wash that bad taste out of her mouth.
If your cat is drooling after eating something safe but unpleasant, try giving her water or a treat to help her get rid of that bad taste.
Toxin Exposure
If your cat licks, chews, or ingests something toxic—poisonous plants, chemicals, or food, for example—she may start drooling, often in excess.
If you suspect that your cat’s drooling is the result of eating something poisonous, take her to the nearest vet as soon as possible.
Anxiety
Maybe you have a scaredy cat whose primary personality trait is “anxious;” maybe your kitty is generally cheerful, but feels uneasy in stressful situations such as car rides and vet visits.
Regardless of your cat’s typical disposition, drooling can be a sign that she’s feeling stressed or anxious. Check out these expert tips for calming your anxious cat.
Various Health Conditions
From nausea to neurological issues, cat drooling can be a sign of various underlying health conditions ranging from minor to severe.
In addition to drooling, signs your cat is sick include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Respiratory issues
- Lethargy
- Bad breath
- Irritability
- Self-isolation
- Clinginess
You know your cat best. If her drooling is accompanied by additional changes in her behavior or appearance, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your vet to rule out something serious.
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Just scoop some of this tasty powder onto your cat’s food for an easy, natural immune boost to keep her looking and feeling her best!
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/cat/symptoms/why-my-cat-drooling
https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/behavior/common-cat-behaviors/cat-drooling
https://www.thesprucepets.com/cat-drooling-554028
https://pets.webmd.com/cats/drooling-in-cats
