Why Do Cats Drool?
QUICK ANSWER
Some cats drool when extremely relaxed or happy (especially during petting or kneading), which is normal. However, sudden or excessive drooling can indicate dental disease, nausea, a foreign object in the mouth, toxin ingestion, or a respiratory infection. The key is whether the drooling is situational and familiar or new and persistent.
Cat drool isn't as common as dog drool, so when it happens it tends to get noticed. Sometimes it's a sign of pure contentment. Sometimes it's a sign something needs attention.
Is my cat drooling because they're happy?
Some cats drool when being petted, kneading, or purring. This is a relaxation response that usually starts in kittenhood (kittens salivate while nursing) and persists into adulthood. If your cat has always drooled a little during cuddle sessions and shows no other symptoms, it's normal and harmless. Think of it as the feline equivalent of drooling in your sleep; their body is so relaxed that the normal swallowing reflex slows down.
When is drooling a problem?
Sudden onset drooling in a cat that doesn't normally drool is almost always significant. The most common cause is dental disease. According to the AVMA siting a study by Cornell, dental disease affects the majority of cats over age 3, and pain from inflamed gums, broken teeth, or oral lesions (feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions are especially common and painful) frequently causes drooling. Other causes include nausea (from GI upset, kidney disease, or motion sickness), a foreign object stuck in the mouth or throat, and toxin ingestion (certain plants, household chemicals, essential oils).
What should I check?
If your cat is drooling and it's not their normal happy-drool, try to look inside their mouth (if they'll let you). Red, swollen gums, a broken tooth, a string or object caught around the tongue, or sores on the gums are all visible clues. Check for other symptoms: pawing at the mouth, bad breath, difficulty eating, vomiting, or lethargy. If you can't identify an obvious cause or the drooling persists beyond a few hours, a vet visit is the right call.
Is drooling from plants an emergency?
Some common houseplants are toxic to cats and cause immediate drooling as a first symptom. Lilies (extremely dangerous, can cause kidney failure), dieffenbachia, pothos, philodendron, and sago palms all trigger oral irritation and drooling. If your cat is drooling and you notice a chewed-on plant, identify the plant and contact your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control hotline (888-426-4435) immediately. With lilies especially, time matters.
Happy drooling is harmless and kind of endearing. New, sudden, or persistent drooling is your cat telling you something is wrong in their mouth, stomach, or environment. Know your cat's baseline, and when drooling deviates from it, investigate.
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