If your cat is drooling all over the place, this could be why.

In this article, we'll go over when it's perfectly normal for your cat to drool, and then we'll go over some scenarios where it might be cause for concern. Always consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns about the health of your pet.

Your cat's drooling could be normal if they are:

• content or untense The majority of cats who knead on blankets or laps are the ones who cause this. Kittens knead their mothers' teats to encourage milk flow while nursing. Some people may continue this habit into adulthood, engaging in it when they're feeling particularly at ease. Some kneading cats may drool; this behavior is likely linked to a positive association with the prospect of eating.
• severe anxiety or stress, as might occur during a visit to the veterinarian Other indicators of extreme anxiety or fear include widened eyes, pinched or flattened ears, a stooped posture, hissing, growling, or even outright aggression.
• travelling Fear and stress, in addition to the physical motion of the car, may be to blame. Getting your cat used to the car and the cat basket a few days in advance can help. Pheromone sprays are another option. Airborne hormones called pheromones are used in animal communication. One of these pheromones, which is thought to have a soothing and comforting effect, has been replicated synthetically. The evidence for the effectiveness of pheromones on dogs is weak, but many owners swear by them. Keep the carrier low so they don't see any movement, don't feed them, and stay away from twisty roads to reduce motion sickness.
• difficulties with saliva retention due to abnormal dental conformation or subsequent tooth loss

You should be concerned if your pet is drooling excessively or if it occurs alongside other symptoms.

Oral Illness

Experts estimate that as many as 85% of cats aged 3 and up suffer from dental disease. Issues become more severe with age in cats. Plaque, a bacterial film, hardens into tartar and eventually causes gum (periodontal) disease. Drooling can be caused by gingivitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the gum surrounding the tooth) or periodontitis (inflammation of the ligaments securing the tooth). Reduced appetite, awkward behavior at mealtime, and bad breath are all potential side effects of dental disease in cats. As a result of the pain, they may withdraw and stop grooming themselves as often.

Gingivitis-stomatitis

Inflammation of the mouth lining is called stomatitis. The exact cause is unknown, but the feline calicivirus (FCV) is responsible for 85% of cases in cats with this condition. Other viruses, including FeLV and FIV, may also play a role. Inflammation of the mouth and jaw is thought to be caused by an overly aggressive immune response to oral bacteria in some cats. Your cat may be in a lot of pain, pawing at its mouth and producing bloody saliva if it has this condition.

The evolutionarily ingrained ability of cats to conceal pain makes determining its presence or absence challenging. Behavior changes, aggression, hiding, and a failure to maintain personal hygiene can all be indicators of underlying pain. Drooling is most commonly associated with toothache, but it can also be an indicator of more systemic discomfort.

Learn more about the various reasons why pets may have bad breath by reading: when it's not their teeth.

Chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Drooling can be a side effect of taking medicines with unpleasant tastes, such as antibiotics. Drooling can be a side effect of some medications, including pain relievers. The skin of the neck is a prime location for applying anti-parasite spot-ons, so make sure to use those that have been approved by your vet and are safe for cats.

In spite of their picky nature, some felines enjoy munching on fresh grass. They will eat anything in the absence of a better option or out of sheer boredom. Chrysanthemums, poinsettias, lilies, and dieffenbachia (dumb cane) are just some examples of toxic plants. Many symptoms, including excessive drooling, are brought on by ingesting poisonous plants. Make sure you know if a plant is poisonous before bringing it into your home or garden. For clarification, consult your veterinarian.

Some common household cleaners can irritate the mouth and even cause ulcers, leading to excessive salivation and loss of appetite.

Tumours

Drooling can be a symptom of oral cancer. In addition to these symptoms, other indicators may include gnawing at the mouth, bleeding, or eating difficulties. The most common oral tumors in cats are squamous cell carcinomas, which have a dismal prognosis because they tend to be locally invasive and complete surgical removal is difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish.

Trauma

Extreme discomfort and drooling can result from a broken tooth or a fractured jaw. Similar symptoms can be brought on by trauma brought on by a variety of foreign bodies, including wood chips and fish hooks. Your cat may experience pain, inflammation, and excessive drooling if it enjoys chasing or eating insects because of the risk of stings and bites.

Illnesses affecting the digestive tract

Drooling can be a side effect of anything that makes you queasy. Nausea can be caused by a wide variety of GI disorders, including inflammation, infection, and cancer. Additionally, you may experience symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, and even a loss of appetite. Due to difficulty swallowing, saliva can accumulate when the oesophagus is blocked by a mass or foreign object.

Diseases of the kidneys and liver

When toxins accumulate due to kidney or liver disease, they can make you sick. Alterations in behavior, loss of appetite, lowered body weight, increased urination and thirst, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are some other symptoms. Liver disease can cause yellowing of the skin or gums in cats. Oral ulcers caused by toxins are a common complication of kidney disease. These are notoriously unpleasant, as they frequently result in painful, putrid drool.

Maladies of the Nervous System

It's possible, albeit unlikely, that the cranial nerves responsible for swallowing would be damaged or paralyzed. Drooling can occur prior to, during, or after a seizure because seizure activity can impair swallowing.

Get your cat checked out by a vet if you're still not sure what's causing the drooling.

You should take your cat to the vet immediately if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

• start drooling all of a sudden
• Continually Drool
• besides these signs, you may also feel weak, nauseous, or paw at your mouth.
• possess blood in the mouth
• are deviating from their typical behavior

Please refer to our Poisons Guide if you suspect your cat has ingested something it shouldn't have. Visit our free online Cat Symptom Checker if you suspect any other problems.

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