For the Love of Vets

Potential Reasons That Your Cat May Be Drooling

6 April 2023

Erin Steeves

If you have a dog and a cat, there's a good chance that you've seen your dog drool. Many dogs drool when they're waiting for their food, and while the drool can be slightly off-putting for some people, it's a fairly normal occurrence for this animal. It's a different situation altogether if you notice your cat drooling, however. In cats, drooling can often be a sign that something is wrong. Upon noticing drool coming from your cat's mouth, you should contact your animal hospital for guidance. Here are some potential reasons that your cat may be drooling.

Allergies

A cat that has allergies can react in all sorts of different ways when it comes into contact with an allergen. While it might sneeze or have runny eyes, it can also drool. The amount of drool will depend on the level of the cat's allergy and how much exposure it had to the allergen. You may be aware of what allergies your cat has, but it's also possible that the drooling issue is one of your first warning signs of an allergy. Seeing the veterinarian will be important in determining your cat's allergies so that you can do your best to limit contact with the allergens.

Dental Issues

It's also possible that your cat could be drooling because it is suffering from a type of dental issue. Cats can develop many different dental issues over their lifetimes, including issues with their teeth and gums. Problems such as gum disease can often result in drooling, as can tooth decay. If your cat is drooling because of something related to its mouth, you may notice other signs that something is wrong. For example, it may have a decreased appetite as a result of the discomfort it's feeling in its mouth.

Stress

Like humans, cats can get stressed for a variety of reasons. A stressed cat can exhibit several different changes in behavior. It might not want to eat or it might isolate itself in your home, for example. Drooling can sometimes be a symptom of stress in your cat. While it's always good to ensure that a veterinarian sees the animal to assess the likely cause of the drooling issue, you might be aware that stress could be a factor. For example, if you've just moved into a new home, the cat might be stressed as it gets used to its new living environment.

For more information, visit a local animal hospital.

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