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What Triggers a Cat to Slobber

Jan 20,2025 | puaintapets

Cats are known for their fastidious grooming habits and clean appearance. So, when a cat starts slobbering or drooling, it can be a cause for concern for many pet owners. While occasional drooling is common and often harmless, excessive slobbering in cats can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Understanding the causes of slobbering in cats is essential for ensuring your feline friend's health and well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons why cats slobber, when to worry, and what you can do to help your cat.

cats drool

What Causes a Cat to Slobber?

There are several possible causes of drooling or slobbering in cats. Drooling can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from harmless to more serious conditions. Below are some of the most common causes:

1. Dental Problems

One of the most common causes of excessive salivation in cats is dental disease. Conditions like gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, or abscesses can cause significant discomfort and lead to drooling. Cats may drool to soothe the pain or due to difficulty swallowing because of infected gums or teeth.

Signs of dental problems in cats:

  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Swollen or red gums
  • Difficulty eating or chewing
  • Pawing at the mouth or face
  • Yellow or brown tartar buildup on the teeth

If you notice these signs, it’s essential to take your cat to the vet for a dental exam and possible treatment.

2. Nausea or Motion Sickness

Cats, like humans, can experience nausea, and this can lead to drooling. Motion sickness, particularly during car rides, is another reason why some cats slobber excessively. If your cat drools only when traveling or shows other signs of distress during trips, motion sickness may be the cause.

Other signs of nausea in cats:

  • Vomiting
  • Lack of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Drooling accompanied by lip-licking or swallowing frequently

If your cat frequently drools when traveling, speak to your veterinarian about remedies for motion sickness, such as anti-nausea medication.

3. Foreign Objects in the Mouth or Throat

Cats are naturally curious, and they may chew on or swallow objects that can become lodged in their mouth or throat. A foreign object can cause irritation, injury, or an obstruction that may result in drooling. Cats may also drool to try and expel the foreign object. If the object remains stuck, it could lead to more severe issues like infection or choking.

Signs of a foreign object in the mouth:

  • Pawing at the mouth or face
  • Difficulty swallowing or gagging
  • Excessive drooling
  • Vomiting or retching

If you suspect your cat has a foreign object lodged in their mouth, it's important to take them to the vet immediately for removal.

4. Toxins or Poisoning

Exposure to certain toxins or poisonous substances can lead to drooling in cats. Some common household items like plants (e.g., lilies, poinsettias), cleaning products, or foods (e.g., chocolate, onions) can be toxic to cats and may cause excessive drooling as part of their body’s response to the poison.

Other signs of poisoning:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Uncoordinated movements or seizures
  • Dilated pupils

If you suspect your cat has ingested something toxic, contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal poison hotline immediately.

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5. Oral and Throat Infections

Infections in the mouth, throat, or salivary glands can lead to excessive salivation. Infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and can lead to swelling, pain, and drooling. If your cat’s drooling is accompanied by other signs like coughing, sneezing, or difficulty swallowing, an infection may be the cause.

Signs of oral infections in cats:

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Difficulty swallowing or eating
  • Excessive salivation

A veterinary examination is essential if you suspect your cat has an infection that requires treatment.

6. Stress or Anxiety

  • Environmental Changes

Moving to a new home, the addition of a new pet or family member, or loud noises can all cause stress in cats. Stress can lead to increased salivation as part of the body's physiological response. The cat may also exhibit other signs of stress, such as hiding, excessive grooming, or changes in eating habits.

  • Separation Anxiety

When cats are separated from their owners or familiar companions for extended periods, they may experience separation anxiety. This can cause them to slobber, along with behaviors like meowing incessantly, pacing, or destructive behavior.

Signs of stress or anxiety in cats:

  • Hiding or avoiding interaction
  • Excessive grooming or scratching
  • Aggression or excessive meowing
  • Dilated pupils

If your cat’s drooling seems related to stress or anxiety, try to identify and address the source of their discomfort. In severe cases, your vet may recommend behavior modification or medication.

7. Heatstroke

Cats can suffer from heatstroke if they are exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. Heatstroke can cause excessive drooling, along with panting, lethargy, and a rapid heart rate. It’s a serious condition that requires immediate attention.

Signs of heatstroke in cats:

  • Excessive drooling
  • Panting or rapid breathing
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Bright red or pale gums

If you suspect your cat is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cooler environment and contact your veterinarian immediately.

8. Rabies

Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system. Although it is relatively rare in vaccinated cats, it can cause abnormal behavior, including excessive drooling. Other symptoms may include aggression, disorientation, and paralysis.

Signs of rabies in cats:

  • Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
  • Aggression or unusual behavior
  • Difficulty swallowing or paralysis
  • Seizures

Rabies is preventable through vaccination, and it’s essential to keep your cat’s vaccinations up-to-date.

Also Read: Cat Hairball Vomit: Causes, Prevention, and Care

cats drool

What to Do When Cats Drooling with Oral Problems?

The following are treatments for drooling cats with oral problems.

1. Oral cleaning

Brushing: Use a pet-specific toothbrush and tooth powder to brush your cat's teeth regularly to remove plaque and food debris from the mouth and reduce bacterial growth.

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2.Medication

Anti-inflammatory drugs: can be used to apply or spray on the inflamed areas in the cat's mouth to reduce inflammation and pain.

Antibiotics: For oral problems caused by bacterial infections, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, oral or injectable antibiotics may be needed for treatment, but they should be used under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Antiviral drugs: For oral problems caused by viral infections, such as oral ulcers and stomatitis caused by feline cup virus and herpes virus, etc., antiviral drugs are needed for treatment, and can be used in conjunction with immune-boosting drugs.

3. Dietary adjustment

Provide soft food: During the recovery of the cat's oral problems, soften the cat food before feeding, or feed the cat soft food such as canned food, to avoid too hard food irritating the mouth.

Supplementation: Appropriate supplementation of vitamins, especially B vitamins, can enhance the cat's immunity and promote the repair of the oral mucosa.

4. Extraction treatment

For serious conditions, large mouth ulcers, severely loose teeth or incurable oral diseases, tooth extraction may need to be considered to relieve the cat's pain and promote oral healing. However, tooth extraction surgery carries certain risks and should be decided carefully under the guidance of your veterinarian.

5. Medical examination

If the cat's drooling persists for a long time or is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, such as bad breath, loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, etc., the cat should be taken to the veterinary hospital for a comprehensive examination, including oral examination, blood test, virus test, etc., in order to determine the cause of the disease and to take targeted therapeutic measures.

When Should You Worry About Your Cat’s Slobbering?

Occasional drooling is typically not a cause for concern, especially if it happens in response to something like a new food or a trip to the vet. However, if your cat’s slobbering is persistent or accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian. Immediate veterinary attention is required if your cat exhibits any of the following:

  • Drooling that lasts for more than a few hours
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
  • Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or excessive pawing at the mouth
  • Changes in behavior or mental state

Cat Drooling Treatment

FAQs

Can motion sickness cause my cat to drool?

Yes, motion sickness during car rides is a common cause of drooling in cats. If your cat experiences this, talk to your vet about treatments for motion sickness.

How much slobbering is normal for a cat?

Normally, cats produce so little saliva that it is hardly noticeable. A small amount of drool may come out when the cat is excited, happy or has eaten a particularly tasty treat, but this is usually short-lived. If a cat continues to drool or has a significant increase in drool production, it needs attention and may be a sign of a health problem.

Can a cat slobber because of teething?

Cats may experience mild drooling during teething. During teething, the gums may feel uncomfortable and stimulate saliva production. However, this drooling is usually temporary and is not accompanied by other serious symptoms. If your cat drools excessively during teething or develops other abnormal symptoms such as loss of appetite, bad breath, or pain in the mouth, it may be a sign of an oral infection or other problem and requires prompt medical attention.

Conclusion

Excessive drooling in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, from dental disease and nausea to poisoning or stress. While some causes are relatively harmless, others require prompt veterinary attention. If your cat starts slobbering unexpectedly, it’s essential to monitor their behavior and consult with your vet if you suspect an underlying health issue. With proper care, many of these conditions can be treated effectively, ensuring your cat remains happy and healthy.

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