Why Is My Cat Slobbering? A Complete Guide

Many cat owners get worried when they find too much saliva coming out of their cat’s mouth. There are times when the cat might drop saliva for being relaxed and happy. But persistent salivation is usually a cause for worry. If you are wondering why is my cat slobbering, you are not alone. Salivation is caused due to oral diseases, injuries to the mouth, sickness, nausea, poisoning, infection, and others.

Understanding Cat Drooling

Unlike in dogs, cats don’t drool too much. Hence, even a slight increase in saliva output draws attention. But all instances of drooling cannot be attributed to health problems in cats. Many cats may produce drools during relaxing moments. Some may also drool when they are being petted or kneading soft blankets. Thus, assessing the conditions when the drooling happens may help to evaluate the situation.

Why Saliva Matters

Saliva serves a number of critical functions in the health of feline patients. It aids in oral care, digestion and lubricating food. Also, saliva keeps the mouth/pharynx hydrated. Cats swallow saliva regularly normally without their owners realizing. Hence, drooling is usually seen when there is an increase in the production of saliva or it has become difficult to swallow due to some reason.

Why is my cat slobbering all of a sudden?

Many cat owners wonder, why does my cat lick up when it’s not eating? A sudden change that involves the mouth, digestive system or general health will usually cause excessive salivation. Some cause theories are dental pain, exposure to toxins, oral injuries, foreign objects or gastrointestinal upset. Therefore, abrupt onset drooling requires special attention, particularly if combined with other signs and symptoms.

Quiescence and Happy Drooling

Some cats drool when they are extremely relaxed. This type of behavior is frequently seen when petting, cuddling, or when sitting comfortably on a favorite person’s lap. Also, these cats can purr loudly and exhibit relaxed body language. From time to time, a dog drools when he is happy, and this doesn’t usually cause anything to happen. Owners should still watch for signs of changes that might indicate a medical reason, though.

This is a common cause: dental disease

Dental diseases is still one of the most common causes of excess drooling. Plaque formation, gums inflammation, tooth decay and oral infections can cause a lot of pain. Affected cats may salivate as its swallowing is painful. Also, the owners may see that there is a change in their pets’ grooming patterns, they have trouble eating, and they smell bad. Seeking early dental care can greatly decrease the chances of extensive oral disease.

Gum disease and mouth inflammation

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of bacteria between the gum line. As the inflammation progresses, there may be increased pain and salivation. Also, affected cats tend to have red and swollen gums, and bad breath. Therefore, a veterinary dental check-up is a critical step in the diagnosis and remedy of gingivitis before it escalates into other more severe problems.

Cats can suffer from tooth resorption

Dental problems are common and to be expected in many cats and one of those problems is resorption of the teeth. In the course of this, tooth structures will slowly erode with the possibility of exposing sensitive tissues. In this case, the cat may drool, refuse food and may experience oral discomfort. Tooth resorption often does not have any external indications, unfortunately. Regular dental check-ups are still vital to finding and treating dental issues early.

What causes cats to drool when eating?

There are times when many owners notice that their cats are drooling more during mealtimes, and wonder why is my cat slobbering when eating? Food may worsen the mouth pain already present due to dental disease, mouth ulcer or injury. Also, problems with swallowing can lead to an excess of saliva. When there is excessive drooling during feeding, it may be necessary to examine the mouth and oral cavity.

Sores of the mouth and ulcers

Mouth ulcers may occur as a result of infection, immune problems, kidney disease or other medical issues. These painful lesions may make it difficult to eat and swallow. As a result, your cat might drool more than usual trying to not be uncomfortable. Besides, the owner might notice that the appetite and weight loss of the dog diminishes. The sooner a vet sees an animal, the sooner a diagnosis is made and treatment decided upon.

Foreign Objects in the Mouth

Sometimes cats chew inappropriate items that get stuck in their mouth. Small household objects, bones, string, or plant material can cause irritation or injury. Thus the overproduction of saliva is a common symptom of discomfort. Also, cats with symptoms may paw at the mouth area or will not eat. Vetinary care should be sought immediately if a foreign body is suspected.

Oral Injuries and Trauma

Trauma from an oral injury to the mouth, tongue, gums or jaw can stimulate saliva flow.An oral injury to the mouth, tongue, gums or jaw can cause excess saliva. Oral trauma often results from falls, accidents, fights with animals and chewing on hard objects. Thus, it can become continuous and sudden, and may go on until the dog recovers. Also, these injuries can be accompanied by blood-tinged saliva or problems eating. Proper treatment and pain management is provided by a professional evaluation.

Poisoning & Toxic Exposures

Excessive drooling may be caused by toxic exposure. A number of household items, chemicals, certain medications and cleaning supplies can irritate your mouth or cause a systemic illness. Drooling will usually occur very quickly following the exposure. Other symptoms include vomiting, tremors, weakness and breathing problems. Veterinary treatment is imperative whenever there is a suspicion of poisoning.

Household plants which can cause drooling

Some house plants are poisonous to cats. Plants, such as lilies, philodendrons, pothos, and others can cause either oral tissue irritation or systemic toxicity. Therefore, chewing such plants can lead to excessive salivation. Furthermore, symptoms can be more pronounced in some instances, depending on the plant species. These risks can be greatly reduced if pets are not exposed to toxic plants.

Nausea and digestive upset

When cats get nauseous, they tend to drool more. Saliva is usually a lot more than usual just prior to vomiting. As a result, the drooling may be seen in conjunction with lip licking, swallowing movements, and a decrease in appetite. Also, gastrointestinal issues, dietary indiscretions, and motion sickness can cause drooling due to nausea. It is important to determine the cause of the digestive problem in order to be treated.

Feline excessive drooling and gastrointestinal issues

When owners are trying to determine what is causing their cat to drool, they find that digestive problems are involved in many instances. Nausea and salivation may be caused by an upset stomach, bowel, liver or pancreas. Thus digestibility should become an important component of the diagnostic process when evaluating an unexplained drooling. Veterinary testing may be useful in identifying these underlying concerns.

Oral symptoms and Kidney Disease

Older cats are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The buildup of waste products in the blood can irritate the tissues of the mouth as kidney function decreases. A mouth ulcer, an odor and excessive drooling can result as a consequence. Also, kidney disease is usually accompanied by increased thirst, loss of weight, and appetite loss. Early diagnosis helps with better long term management and quality of life.

Upper Respiratory Infections

Sometimes dental infections can lead to salivation. Breathing through the nose and mouth discomfort could disrupt normal food consumption. As a result, saliva pools can be seen around the mouth. In addition, sneezing and eye discharge and lethargy are common symptoms. Often, a veterinary exam will be done to find out if there is a viral or bacterial cause of the respiratory illness.

Heat Stress and Drooling

Dogs and cats can both sweat, but too hot or cold will sometimes cause drooling. If your cat is getting too warm, he might try to cool off by salivating and panting. Drooling in hot weather should be addressed, particularly when there is lethargy or breathing problems. Shade and the provision of cooling and hydrations helps prevent heat-related illness.

Neurological Conditions

Some neurologic diseases can cause problems with swallowing and salivary control. This causes more saliva to pool around the mouth, which makes it more evident. Also, cats affected may have balance problems, weakness, seizures, or abnormal behavior. Neurological causes are considered less common than dental causes, but should be considered when assessing chronic drooling.

Stress and Anxiety

Drooling is sometimes caused by emotional stress in sensitive cats. Sometimes salivation will be triggered by veterinary visits, traveling, loud noises, and new surroundings. Also, the cat might be hiding or vocalizing or be fidgety. It is usually resolved when the stress-inducing situation is over, which is why stress-related drooling usually improves. But, when it persists, then it’s time to keep investigating.

What’s Causing My Cat to slobber and smell?

If owners are concerned about their cats’ unpleasant breath or slobbering, dental disease is a possibility. Oral ulcers and infections often occur together, as do gum disease and tooth decay. Also, kidney problems can lead to bad breath. Therefore, in the case of drooling, bad breath should not be just observed, but warrant a veterinary exam.

Halitosis in cats is related to oral health

If your cat has bad breath for more than a day or two, it is likely that there is an oral disease at its root. The mouth becomes odorous and irritates gums and teeth due to the growth of these germs. As a result, cat halitosis often occurs in conjunction with drooling. These problems can be minimized by daily oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings and check-ups.

For more serious symptoms, see these warning signs that need urgent veterinary care:

Some symptoms that are associated with drooling need immediate assessment. If the animal seems to be struggling to breathe, has trouble eating, collapses, has seizures, is very lethargic, and/or is suspected to have ingested a toxin, urgent treatment is required. Also, it should never be overlooked if the drooling is accompanied by substantial bleeding from the mouth or swelling of the face. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the warning signs of an emergency so treatment can be successful.

The exception is when drooling is the result of a medical condition and requires treatment

The first step in the treatment is a careful physical examination by a veterinarian. They also may examine the mouth, assess oral health and conduct diagnostic testing as needed. Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, imaging and oral exams often assist in determining the underlying causes. This comprehensive evaluation enables vets to create plans for treatment that focus on the diagnosis.

There are a number of treatments available to address excessive drooling

Treatment is dependent on the cause of the problem. This may include dental cleanings, tooth extraction, medication, dietary changes, toxin treatment and supportive measures. Also, pain and inflammation are often improved when treated, so that this can lead to a much greater sense of comfort. Therefore, the most successful recovery, and health improvement in the longer-term, can be achieved through individual treatment plans.

To prevent future oral health issues

Prevention is one of the best tools to lessen drooling associated with dental disease. Good oral health is achieved by routine veterinary examinations, dental cleanings, proper nutrition and home care. Furthermore, by keeping toxic materials or hazardous items out of reach there is less risk of accidental exposure. As a result, it is often easier and cheaper to prevent than treat.

Final Thoughts

When you notice your cat is slobbering, its cause could be as simple as it’s content to be held or as critical as a medical condition that needs attention now. Some possible causes are dental disease, oral injuries, toxins, infections, and systemic illnesses. Cat owners can help keep their pets healthy and improve their prognosis by paying close attention to symptoms, routine veterinary check-ups, and acting quickly if any warning signs are present.