When Cat Drooling Means More Than a Happy Purr

Cats may drool when they are relaxed, happy, or enjoying catnip. If the drooling is unexpected, excessive, or comes with bad breath, loss of appetite, or lethargy, it could signal a medical problem.

Normal Drooling

Cats can drool briefly when they are deeply relaxed, purring, or in a catnip high. The drool is usually small and temporary, lasting only a short time. Cats may also drool in their sleep, which generally indicates deep relaxation. Liquid medications, especially bitter antibiotics, can cause drooling; if a cat continues to drool more than 20 minutes after medication, it might mean the medicine is making them feel nauseous.

Abnormal Drooling

Dental problems are a common cause of drooling. Signs of dental issues include red, painful, and swollen gums, bad breath, difficulty eating, and pawing at the mouth. Nausea can also cause drooling and may result from something eaten, gastrointestinal upset, or travel. Ingesting toxins-such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, lilies, azaleas, tulips, daffodils, ibuprofen, antidepressants, sleeping pills, cold and flu medication, cleaners, essential oils, antifreeze, or fertilizers-can irritate the mouth or esophagus, upset the gut, or affect the nervous system, leading to increased saliva. High stress and anxiety, for example during car rides or vet visits, can sometimes cause drooling. Other less common causes include trauma to the head or neck, salivary gland disease, throat issues, or neurological problems.

Key takeaways

• Drooling can be normal when a cat is relaxed, happy, or enjoying catnip.
• Excessive or unexpected drooling with bad breath, loss of appetite, or lethargy may indicate dental disease, nausea, or toxin exposure.
• If drooling lasts more than 20 minutes after giving a bitter liquid medication, the cat may be nauseated.
• Toxins such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, lilies, and household chemicals can cause drooling.
• High stress situations can also trigger drooling.
• Seek veterinary care if drooling is ongoing, excessive, or accompanied by other concerning signs.

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Originally reported by Modern Cat. Read the full article.