Why Is My Cat Drooling?

When cats are happy, they enter a state of relaxation. As they hit that state of serenity, their muscles relax—including their mouth muscles. Loose mouth muscles make it easier for drool to drip from your cat's mouth. Cats that purr, knead, and close their eyes while drooling are likely content and don't have an underlying condition.

Always remember, however, if this is the first time your cat is drooling as an adult, you need to rule out medical causes with your vet.

Some cats develop dental disease. You can protect against this to an extent by giving them dental treats, but it's important to watch out for the following symptoms:

• Bad breath
• Eating less than normal
• Blood in their saliva
• Refusing to eat kibble

If they display any of the above symptoms, they may require treatment from their vet. When cats have dental disease, drooling can help reduce the irritation they're feeling. Your vet can diagnose dental causes and prescribe relevant treatments.

As curious creatures, cats love to try dishes they cannot successfully chew. Their mouths don't contain the same enzymes or dental structure as humans, making it difficult for them to process the same foods. One common culprit is pasta, which may stick to the roof of your cat's mouth and cause drooling as they try to get rid of it.

Cats can catch respiratory diseases that are unique to their species. Common examples include feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus. Alongside drooling, they may display

• Lethargy
• Fever
• Poor appetite
• Breathing faster than normal
• Conjunctivitis

Drooling is more likely to be a side effect of a respiratory disease that causes mouth ulcerations. Usually, cat colds and respiratory diseases clear up within three weeks. You can support your cat by giving them plenty of fluids and keeping them comfortable.

When your cat is frisky and loves to play, it shouldn't come as a surprise that they'll experience an accident. Although they're usually graceful creatures, their charm won't always protect against the world around them. Cats that love to chew are especially likely to experience oral trauma that causes drooling. Sharp objects and electrical wires are key culprits.

Following a chewing accident, always give your cat soft foods and consider asking your vet for pain relief.

Another unhappy side effect of your cat chewing enticing objects is intestinal blockages. Blockages are more likely to occur during the holiday season, as shiny ribbons and tinsel may tempt your cat. Intestinal blockages prevent saliva from moving through the body as it should. Eventually, it backs up and leaves through the mouth instead. If you suspect your cat's intestine is blocked, always treat it as an emergency.

Licking and chewing toxic substances can cause cats to drool. It's important to remember that what we humans see as harmless could cause havoc with a cat's health. Plants are especially problematic, particularly if they're outdoors and covered in pesticides. Drooling is a common response to ingesting something foreign and warrants further investigation.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common cancers to affect cats. When the mass grows bigger, it may prevent them from swallowing the saliva in their mouths easily, leading to drooling. Other signs that your cat may have cancer include

• Struggling to swallow their food
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Sores that don't heal
• Bad breath

If you suspect your cat has cancer, see your vet at the earliest opportunity.

Neurological conditions such as brain injuries following trauma, seizures, and strokes can make it difficult for your cat to control drooling. Some conditions prevent them from controlling the muscles that help them swallow, resulting in more drooling. Alongside drooling, neurological issues can make your cat lethargic, uncoordinated, or aggressive.

Vets have a wealth of diagnostic tools at their disposal. From monitoring vital signs to performing x-rays and blood tests, they can often identify the cause of your cat's drooling. Most vets will only use the tests they believe are necessary, especially if they're invasive. They'll also start their consultation by asking you questions about your cat drooling and their medical history.