Why Does My Cat Drool? 8 Reasons Explained

Have you ever noticed that your cat is drooling? Drooling in cats is not as common as it is in dogs. That’s why cat owners might get worried when they see their cat drooling and wonder what it means.

The truth is, there are several possible reasons why cats drool.

Now, we will look deeper into eight possible causes why cats can drool.

Oral and dental health problems

Tooth and gingival diseases are one of the most common causes of drooling.

Like a human, the cat produces saliva to help protect the mouth from infections and aid with swallowing. As a result, cats may drool due to irritation in the mouth. In this case, the leading cause of drooling is to reduce and soothe irritation.

The incidence of tooth and gingival disease in cats over 3 is approximately 85%. Having this type of problem can cause drooling. In addition, if the cat’s saliva is foul-smelling and bloody – teeth and gingival diseases (gingivitis) could be suspected. 

If the cat has tartar or plaque on its teeth, it can cause an increase in saliva. Mouth ulcers, dental injuries, gingivitis, ulcerative lesions, and infections are among the health problems that cause cats to drool. Cats can also produce excessive saliva due to oral cancer.

Upper Respiratory Infections

Different viruses or bacteria cause upper respiratory infections in cats. It targets the nose and throat instead of the lungs, causing infections and specific symptoms in those areas, including drooling.

Drooling due to nausea

A nauseous cat and vomiting usually produce drooling. Nausea and vomiting in cats can have many causes, including internal parasites, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disturbances, and, consequently, drooling. You should contact your veterinarian if your cat seems nauseous, vomiting, or has no appetite.

Having an abnormal object in the mouth

While playing, cats may swallow their toys, try to eat objects they shouldn’t eat, and get the thing stuck in the mouth or esophagus.

Cats have ways of telling if a strange object is stuck in their mouth or throat. In addition to drooling, a cat with this type of problem can often try to vomit.

Drooling as a result of trauma

Cats can experience trauma in some cases, such as mouth injury, chewing abnormal matter, and being hit by a car that exposes the attached nerve, which also often causes drooling. If you believe your cat has experienced traumas and suddenly started drooling, contact a veterinarian to get to the bottom of the issue.

Exposure to a toxic substance

Cats who lick, chew, or swallow a toxic substance may develop excessive salivation and drool. 

Another thing to pay attention to is the plants in your home. It would be best not to buy plants and flowers without researching whether they are toxic to your cat; cats that eat these plants may experience increased salivation. If you have a free-roaming cat, it is always possible that the cat might have been in contact with something toxic out of your control.

Internal Organ Disorder

Another reason your cat might drool is kidney diseases, which are more common in older cats. As a result of the inability of the internal organs to perform their functions due to age-related reasons, the cat may experience increased salivation. If an increase in saliva is detected due to internal organs, treatment may be required.

Emotions. Happy or Scared

Ultimately, we brought up a more calming reason why your cat might drool. Cats tend to salivate when they are thrilled or scared. This is their physical reaction to emotions. So, it is customary to see saliva in the mouths of happy and relaxed cats, and it is normal for a cat to salivate because it is afraid.


In the end, If your cat is constantly drooling, this likely indicates an ongoing health problem. On the other hand, if your cat’s drooling does not reflect the scenario, there is probably a problem. In such cases, you must immediately contact your local veterinarian and investigate it further.

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Henry

Henry is a seasoned pet enthusiast with extensive experience in caring for various animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, and dogs. His lifelong dedication to pet care is complemented by three years of professional experience working at a pet store. During this time, he acquired in-depth knowledge of pet products, dietary needs, and comprehensive care techniques.

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