what does it mean if a cat is drooling

Drooling in cats could indicate a dental issue or injury, ingestion of something toxic, or an internal illness. Cats are pretty good at hiding their discomfort, so sometimes drool might be the first indication that your cat isn’t feeling well.

Definition of When a Cat is Drooling

Drooling is an indication of excessive salivation in cats. It is typically brought on by the cat being extremely energetic, queasy, or experiencing dental problems. There may be saliva bubbles present, and the saliva may be clear, white, or yellow. It’s crucial to get in touch with a veterinarian to investigate the underlying cause of excessive drooling in cats.

what does it mean if a cat is drooling

Causes of Cat Drooling

Numerous factors, such as happiness, excitement, nausea, dental issues, heat exhaustion, and illnesses or infections, can result in cats drooling. Cats may drool when they are excited because they are anticipating something, like a treat or some time to spend with you.

Additionally, cats may drool when they are happy, like when they are sleeping or getting petted. Cats who are experiencing nausea may also drool as a sign of discomfort. Dental issues, like gum disease, can result in painful mouth ulcers or abscesses in cats, which makes them drool.

Heat exhaustion is another common cause of drooling in cats, as their bodies become overheated and unable to regulate their temperature. Finally, certain diseases or infections can also cause cats to drool, such as rabies, feline leukemia, or distemper.

Various medical conditions can cause cats to drool, including:

  • Ingestion of a toxic substance
  • Infection
  • Oral irritation
  • Neurological disorders
  • Dental problems
  • Kidney or liver failure
  • Heatstroke
  • Allergic reactions
  • Motion sickness
  • Pain

To protect your pet’s health and wellbeing, it’s crucial to take them to the vet for a checkup and diagnosis if your cat is drooling and it’s not because they’ve eaten something tasty.

Emotional reasons cats drool include:

  • Stress and/or fear: Cats may drool because their bodies release hormones when they are afraid or stressed.
  • Overstimulation: Endorphins are released when cats get too excited, which causes them to drool.
  • Cats may drool for pleasure when they are being petted, when they are brushing themselves, or when they smell something good.
  • Pain: Drooling cats may indicate an underlying medical condition or pain, so it’s crucial to take them to the veterinarian if you observe this behavior.

Some other reasons cats may drool include:

  • Oral health problems: Drooling may indicate a foreign object in the mouth, gum disease, or dental problems.
  • Food sensitivities or allergies: Cats that have these conditions may drool.
  • Medication: Certain medications can cause cats to drool.

what does it mean if a cat is drooling

Not sure whether to see a vet?

Our vet-created Symptom Checker asks you a few questions about your pet’s symptoms and provides you with the most likely causes and recommended course of action.

I am a small animal general practitioner in western Washington. In the fourteen years that I have worked at this clinic, a range of