It’s a scene many cat lovers adore: you’re petting your feline friend, they’re purring contentedly, and then you notice it – a little bit of drool escaping from the corner of their mouth. While drooling might be something we more readily associate with dogs, cats can and do drool too. But why does this happen, especially when you’re showering them with affection?
Understanding why your cat might drool when you pet them involves exploring the various reasons behind hypersalivation, the medical term for excessive saliva production. While sometimes it’s perfectly normal and even a sign of happiness, in other cases, drooling can indicate an underlying health issue that warrants attention.
The Mystery of Cat Drool: Normal or Not?
A bit of drool isn’t always a red flag. In fact, for some cats, a small amount of drooling when they’re happy and relaxed is completely normal behavior. Just like purring and kneading, it can be a sign that your cat is in a state of bliss. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between normal, happy drooling and excessive drooling, which could be a symptom of anxiety, illness, or injury.
If you’re noticing more than just a tiny bit of moisture, or if your cat starts drooling excessively, it’s always wise to consult with your veterinarian. Many causes of drooling are not easily diagnosed at home, and a professional check-up can provide peace of mind and ensure your cat’s well-being.
Unpacking the Reasons: Why Cats Drool
There are several reasons why your cat might be drooling. Some are heartwarming and indicate contentment, while others are more concerning and require veterinary attention. Let’s explore the common causes:
Pure Bliss: Drooling from Relaxation
If your cat is drooling while you’re petting them, especially if they are also purring or kneading, chances are you’ve simply unlocked peak relaxation in your feline companion. This type of drooling is often linked to happiness and contentment.
The science behind this happy drool might be related to endorphins, those feel-good chemicals released in the brain. When cats purr or knead, endorphins are released, which can also stimulate the salivary glands to produce more saliva. Some experts believe this behavior could even be rooted in their kittenhood experiences. Think about nursing kittens – they associate kneading and suckling with comfort and satisfaction. Cats who drool when happy might be subconsciously tapping into these early, comforting memories. It’s often observed that cats who exhibit happy drooling started doing so when they were very young.
Stress Signals: Drooling from Fear and Anxiety
Interestingly, endorphins aren’t just released when cats are happy; they can also be triggered by stress. Therefore, drooling can paradoxically be a sign of fear and anxiety in cats. In these situations, the drooling is usually accompanied by other stress signals.
Look out for vocalization, flattened ears, attempts to hide or escape, and tense body posture. Common triggers for fear and anxiety-related drooling include car rides and visits to the veterinarian. If your cat gets stressed during these events, discuss strategies to reduce their anxiety with your vet. Pheromone diffusers or sprays, calming supplements, and in some cases, anxiety medications can make these situations much less stressful for your feline friend.
Upset Stomach: Drooling Due to Nausea
Motion sickness during car rides isn’t the only cause of nausea in cats. Hairballs and gastrointestinal upset can also lead to nausea and subsequent drooling. If your cat’s drooling is related to nausea, you might also observe other signs like vomiting or decreased appetite.
Oral Issues: Drooling from Painful Dental Problems
Dental disease is a significant contributor to drooling in cats. Tartar buildup can cause painful inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and even mouth ulcers. Loose teeth can also make swallowing difficult and painful, leading to drooling.
Mouth cancer, although less common, can also cause similar symptoms and can be difficult to differentiate from dental disease in its early stages without a biopsy. Foreign objects lodged in a cat’s mouth or throat can also trigger drooling. Drooling caused by oral issues often comes with a foul odor, blood in the saliva, pawing at the face, and reduced appetite. A definitive diagnosis often requires sedation or anesthesia by your veterinarian.
Toxic Exposure: Drooling from Toxins and Poisons
Many household substances pose a threat to cats. Certain plants, chemical toxins, and medications can cause drooling. This can be due to direct irritation of the mouth or esophagus, nausea resulting from intestinal upset, or the toxin itself affecting the nervous system and increasing saliva production.
If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic substance, immediate action is crucial. Contact the Pet Poison Helpline® or your veterinarian immediately.
Medication Reactions: Drooling as a Side Effect
Sometimes, medications prescribed by your veterinarian, even if safe for cats, can have an unpleasant taste. Liquid medications or the bitter taste of chewed pills can cause a cat to drool as a reaction.
Overheating: Drooling from Heatstroke
In dangerously hot environments, a cat might drool as a symptom of heatstroke. This is a serious emergency and is often accompanied by heavy breathing or panting.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. If you suspect your cat is experiencing heatstroke, seek immediate veterinary care.
Rare but Serious: Drooling from Rabies
Rabies is rare, especially in vaccinated adult cats, but excessive drooling is a classic symptom. Rabies usually presents with other nervous system abnormalities and behavioral changes.
If your unvaccinated cat shows signs of rabies, veterinary intervention, potentially including quarantine or humane euthanasia, might be necessary. Rabies is fatal and can be transmitted to humans, making vaccination extremely important, even for indoor cats.
When Drooling Becomes a Worry
While a little drool during petting might be a sign of a happy cat, it’s always reasonable to discuss any drooling with your veterinarian during your cat’s regular check-ups.
However, certain situations warrant a more immediate veterinary visit. If the drooling is a new behavior, if it’s excessive, or if it happens frequently, schedule an appointment with your vet, even if your cat seems otherwise normal.
Seek urgent veterinary care if drooling is accompanied by:
- Loss of appetite
- Abnormal behavior, such as hiding excessively
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
- Suspected toxin ingestion
Decoding Your Cat’s Drool
So, Why Do Some Cats Drool When You Pet Them? Often, it’s a lovely sign of contentment and relaxation, a feline equivalent of a blissful smile. However, it’s essential to be observant and understand that drooling can also be a symptom of underlying health issues. By paying attention to the context of the drooling and any accompanying symptoms, you can better understand your cat’s needs and ensure their health and happiness. If you’re ever unsure, consulting with your veterinarian is always the best course of action to keep your purring pal healthy and drool-free (unless it’s happy drool, of course!).
