Cat Drooling: Is It a Veterinary Emergency?

Cat drooling can be a sign of contentment or a warning of serious health problems. Knowing the difference could save your cat's life.

Unlike dogs who might drool regularly, cats are typically neat and tidy with their saliva. When a cat starts drooling unexpectedly, it often signals something that needs attention.

Top Questions About Cat Drooling

When is cat drooling considered an emergency?

Cat drooling becomes an emergency when it appears suddenly and is accompanied by facial swelling, breathing difficulties, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, or low energy. These combinations often indicate serious problems like toxin exposure, severe dental disease, or allergic reactions. Unlike dogs, cats rarely drool without reason, making any new drooling potentially concerning.

How can I tell if my cat is in pain from drooling?

Cats hide pain well, but look for these signs: pawing at the mouth, avoiding food, hiding more than usual, or making unusual sounds. You might notice your cat tilting their head while eating or dropping food. These behaviors alongside drooling suggest mouth pain that needs veterinary attention.

Could my cat's drooling be from something they ate?

Many household items can cause cats to drool excessively when tasted or ingested. Common culprits include household plants, cleaning products, and certain human medications. If you suspect your cat contacted something harmful, check for evidence of chewed plants or disturbed products. Call a veterinary clinic right away rather than waiting to see if symptoms improve.

Is it normal for cats to drool sometimes?

Some cats naturally drool when extremely happy, particularly during petting or kneading. This type of drooling typically stops when the pleasurable activity ends. Car rides can also cause temporary drooling due to motion sickness. However, new or increased drooling that continues for more than a day deserves veterinary evaluation.

Why Cats Drool

Cats produce saliva just like humans, but they typically swallow it efficiently. Drooling happens when saliva production increases or when a cat cannot swallow normally. Dental problems, mouth injuries, nausea, and exposure to toxins are common causes. While some cats drool briefly during happy moments, persistent or sudden drooling usually signals a problem needing attention.

Spotting Mild Cases

Brief drooling during purring or kneading often shows contentment in cats. Some cats may drool temporarily after tasting something bitter or during stressful situations like car rides. Mild, short-term drooling that clears up quickly without other symptoms generally doesn't require emergency care. However, even mild drooling lasting more than 24 hours should be checked by a veterinarian.

Recognizing Serious Cases

Serious drooling typically involves sudden onset, persistence, and additional concerning symptoms. A cat with dental disease may drool excessively while showing reluctance to eat. Cats that have contacted toxins might drool while appearing disoriented or uncoordinated. Facial swelling, breathing difficulties, or low energy alongside drooling indicates a potential emergency requiring quick veterinary attention.

What To Do

Step 1: Call a veterinary clinic for advice

Contact a veterinary clinic as soon as you notice concerning drooling in your cat. Describe when the drooling started and any other symptoms you've seen. Ask whether your cat needs to be seen right away or if watching at home is appropriate. The clinic can provide guidance based on your cat's specific situation.

Step 2: Watch for additional warning signs

While preparing to contact a veterinarian, monitor your cat closely for worsening symptoms. Watch for facial swelling, difficult breathing, repeated gagging, or inability to swallow. Note any behavior changes such as hiding, aggression, or unusual sounds. Keep track of when symptoms started to provide accurate information to the veterinarian.

Step 3: Prepare for safe transport

If the veterinarian advises bringing your cat in, prepare a secure carrier lined with a soft towel. Handle your cat gently, as they may be in pain and more likely to scratch or bite. Avoid feeding your cat before transport unless specifically instructed by the veterinarian, as this could worsen nausea.

Potential Life-Threatening Conditions

Toxin exposure often causes sudden, excessive drooling in cats. Common household toxins include certain plants, cleaning products, and medications. A cat that has contacted toxins may drool while showing additional symptoms like vomiting or disorientation. Quick veterinary help is crucial to prevent lasting damage.

Allergic reactions can cause facial swelling, drooling, and breathing difficulties. These reactions can progress rapidly and affect airways. If your cat shows these symptoms, especially after exposure to a new environment, food, or medication, seek veterinary care immediately.

Salivary gland problems can cause drooling and visible swelling under the tongue or neck. These conditions can interfere with eating and breathing. A veterinarian needs to evaluate and treat these conditions quickly to prevent complications.

Helping Your Pet Before The Vet Visit

While waiting to see a veterinarian, keep your cat calm in a quiet, comfortable space. Offer small sips of water if your cat is interested, but never force food or water. Call your veterinary clinic for specific feeding instructions if your cat hasn't eaten due to drooling. Avoid home remedies or over-the-counter medications unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.

Preventing Future Cat Drooling

Keep harmful plants, chemicals, and medications stored away from curious cats. Common toxic plants include lilies and philodendron. Regular dental check-ups can identify and address dental disease before it becomes severe enough to cause drooling. Reducing stress through consistent routines may help cats prone to stress-related drooling.

We're Here To Help

Our hospitals provide care for cats experiencing drooling and related symptoms. For mild symptoms like occasional drooling during purring with no other concerns, your primary veterinarian can provide guidance at your next appointment.

If your cat shows severe symptoms like breathing difficulties, facial swelling, or low energy along with drooling, call an emergency veterinarian right away. Our veterinary teams can provide appropriate care for dental disease, toxin exposure, or other conditions causing your cat's drooling. If you're not sure, call us — we can talk you through the situation.

Key Takeaways

• Cat drooling with facial swelling, breathing difficulties, or significant behavior changes requires quick veterinary attention.
• Unlike dogs, cats rarely drool without reason, so new drooling usually indicates a problem worth checking.
• Trust your instincts as a pet parent — seeking professional advice is always better than waiting when your cat shows unusual symptoms.