Although cats have been domesticated for millennia, their antics and behaviors may strike people as unusual and mysterious. One such behavior that can sometimes catch cat owners off guard is drooling. While the behavior may seem unnatural or alarming at first, cats drool for several reasons, and our Valley Center Veterinary Clinic team explains why so you can better care for your feline companion.

Contentment and relaxation in cats

When a cat is deeply relaxed or content, a physiological response triggers drooling. The parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the rest and digest system, becomes more active, promoting relaxation and regulating bodily functions during rest periods. When this occurs, a cat’s salivary glands are stimulated, causing increased saliva production and drooling.

Relaxation also leads to muscle relaxation throughout a cat’s body, including the mouth and jaw muscles. This relaxation can cause a cat’s mouth to open slightly, allowing saliva to drip or pool, resulting in drooling.

Overall, relaxation-induced drooling in cats is a natural and harmless response that reflects their emotional state and comfort level. In this case, drooling is a sign that your feline friend feels secure and content in their surroundings, confirming that you and your whiskered pal have a strong bond.

Nausea or motion sickness in cats

Like people and dogs, cats can experience nausea caused by motion sickness, which may result in drooling. Cats travel less frequently than dogs and are typically safely restrained in carriers, but they can still experience queasiness. When a cat experiences motion, especially in unfamiliar or turbulent environments, their vestibular system within the inner ear can become imbalanced, leading to nausea and discomfort. Additionally, the mismatch between the visual and sensory input when a cat feels movement but only sees the inside of a carrier can worsen nausea.

Dental issues in cats

Drooling is often a sign of oral discomfort, and you may notice a bloody tinge to your cat’s saliva if they have dental issues. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are common conditions that can lead to inflammation, infection, tooth loss, and systemic health problems as oral bacteria enter the bloodstream.

Additionally, cats may experience resorptive lesions or broken teeth, which can cause pain, infection, and difficulty eating. Furthermore, oral tumors, such as squamous cell carcinoma or fibrosarcoma, can develop in the mouth or jaw, leading to swelling, pain, and other issues. 

Toxin exposure in cats

Toxin exposure can cause a cat to drool as a result of various physiological responses triggered by harmful substance ingestion. If a cat ingests a toxic substance, it can irritate the delicate mucous membranes lining the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing toxicity signs, including drooling.

Certain toxins may directly stimulate salivary glands or increase saliva production as part of the body’s defensive mechanism to flush out or dilute a harmful substance. Additionally, toxins can cause pain or discomfort, prompting cats to drool as a natural response to alleviate discomfort or mouth and throat irritation. Furthermore, some toxic substances can disrupt neurologic pathways, affecting a cat’s ability to swallow properly, which may result in excessive drooling.

Kidney disease in cats

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common condition in older cats, characterized by gradual kidney function loss over time. As kidney function declines, waste products and toxins accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to signs such as nausea, vomiting, and oral discomfort.

In addition, kidney disease can cause uremia, a condition in which urea and other waste products build up in the blood. Uremia can cause oral ulcers, oral mucosa inflammation, and a metallic taste in the mouth, all of which can lead to increased drooling in affected cats. 

Ingested foreign objects in cats

If a cat ingests a foreign object, such as a small toy, string, or other nonfood item, they may drool. A foreign object lodged in the oral cavity or esophagus can cause irritation, inflammation, or obstruction, leading to discomfort and difficulty swallowing. A triggered gag reflex or excess saliva production as a protective response to lubricate the throat can result in drooling. 

If a cat ingests a foreign object, they can also develop GI distress and drool. If a foreign object passes into the stomach or intestines and causes irritation or obstruction, a cat can develop nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Nausea and discomfort associated with GI issues can stimulate saliva production as a reflexive response, leading to drooling.

Understanding why cats drool can help you identify potential underlying issues so you can provide appropriate care. While occasional feline drooling may not always be a cause for concern, persistent or excessive drooling warrants a veterinary visit. If your cat is drooling and displaying other worrying behaviors, schedule an appointment with our Valley Center Veterinary Clinic team.