Cat Drooling Excessively: Causes, When to Worry & What to Do
Discover why your cat is drooling so much - from dental disease to poisoning. Learn when excessive drooling is an emergency and get AI dental analysis.
Why Is My Cat Drooling So Much?
While dogs drool regularly, cats typically don't. So when you notice your cat drooling excessively, it's usually a sign that something is wrong. Excessive drooling (hypersalivation) in cats can indicate anything from dental problems to serious medical emergencies.
Understanding the causes can help you determine whether you need to rush to the vet or can address the issue at home.
Normal vs. Abnormal Drooling in Cats
Normal Drooling
Some cats drool in specific situations:
- When purring or kneading (happy drooling)
- When given medication
- During car rides (motion sickness)
- When smelling strong food
This type of drooling is usually:
- Temporary
- Clear saliva
- Cat acts normal otherwise
Abnormal Drooling (Cause for Concern)
Seek veterinary attention if drooling is:
- Constant or increasing
- Accompanied by other symptoms
- Thick, colored, or bloody
- Associated with behavior changes
Common Causes of Excessive Cat Drooling
1. Dental Disease
The most common cause of drooling in cats. Dental problems cause pain that leads to excess saliva production.
Signs include:
- Drooling while eating
- Dropping food
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Pawing at mouth
Common dental issues:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth resorption (FORL)
- Broken teeth
- Oral tumors
2. Oral Pain or Injury
Mouth injuries cause immediate drooling:
- Burns from chewing electrical cords
- Cuts from sharp objects
- Insect stings in the mouth
- Foreign objects stuck in mouth/throat
3. Nausea
Cats drool when they feel sick:
- Motion sickness
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Medications side effects
4. Toxin Exposure (EMERGENCY)
Many substances cause drooling in cats:
Plants:
- Lilies (highly toxic)
- Tulips
- Azaleas
- Sago palms
Household items:
- Cleaning products
- Essential oils
- Human medications
- Antifreeze
Signs of poisoning:
- Sudden excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Collapse
If suspected, call emergency vet immediately.
5. Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infections can cause:
- Drooling
- Nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
6. Oral Tumors
Growths in the mouth may cause:
- Persistent drooling
- Bloody saliva
- Difficulty eating
- Weight loss
- Bad odor
7. Neurological Issues
Less common, but conditions affecting nerves can cause:
- Inability to swallow properly
- Drooling from one side of mouth
- Changes in facial expression
How to Examine Your Drooling Cat
If your cat allows, check for obvious causes:
- Look for foreign objects - Check between teeth and under tongue
- Examine gums - Look for redness, swelling, or growths
- Check teeth - Look for broken or missing teeth
- Smell breath - Foul odor suggests dental disease
- Feel for swelling - Around face and jaw
Be gentle - If your cat is in pain, they may bite.
When to See a Vet Immediately
Emergency Signs:
- Drooling with difficulty breathing
- Suspected poisoning
- Drooling with seizures
- Unable to close mouth
- Severe facial swelling
- Blood in saliva
- Collapse or extreme weakness
Same-Day Appointment:
- Drooling for more than a few hours
- Not eating or drinking
- Acting lethargic
- Pawing at mouth constantly
- Visible oral injury
Treatment Based on Cause
Dental Disease
- Professional dental cleaning
- Tooth extractions if needed
- Pain medication
- Antibiotics for infection
- Home dental care plan
Oral Injury
- Wound cleaning
- Pain management
- Soft food diet
- Antibiotics if infected
Poisoning
- Decontamination
- IV fluids
- Supportive care
- Specific antidotes if available
Nausea
- Anti-nausea medication
- Address underlying cause
- Diet modifications
How Nerovet AI Can Help
While drooling can have many causes, dental disease is the most common. Our AI can analyze photos of your cat's mouth to identify:
- Signs of gum disease
- Visible tooth damage
- Inflammation patterns
- Areas needing attention
Early detection of dental problems can prevent the pain that leads to drooling.
Prevention Tips
Maintain Dental Health
- Brush teeth regularly (if cat tolerates)
- Provide dental treats
- Use water additives
- Schedule regular vet dental exams
Keep Toxins Away
- Store chemicals securely
- Remove toxic plants
- Keep medications locked up
- Be careful with essential oils
Regular Health Checks
- Annual vet exams
- Monitor eating habits
- Check mouth regularly
- Use AI dental scans monthly
What to Do Right Now
If your cat is drooling:
- Stay calm and observe
- Check for obvious causes (foreign objects, injury)
- Note other symptoms for the vet
- Remove potential toxins from area
- Contact vet if drooling persists or worsens
Check Your Cat's Dental Health →
Upload a photo of your cat's teeth and gums to identify potential dental causes of drooling.
This article is for informational purposes only. Excessive drooling in cats can indicate serious conditions - always consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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