Why Do Cats Drool? Is It Dangerous?

Cats are not known for drooling like dogs. While drooling in cats is considered normal up to a certain point, excessive and noticeable drooling indicates an underlying health problem. In this article, you can find answers to questions such as why do cats drool? and when should drooling in cats be a cause for concern? Before answering the question of why cats drool, it is necessary to know what constitutes healthy and normal drooling in cats.

Normal Drooling in Cats

Cats may drool, especially when they are being petted. Drooling is generally more commonly observed during kittenhood. Those who adopt kittens for the first time often wonder why kittens drool. Drooling in kittens is generally considered normal and is perceived as an expression of contentment. Cats may also show their contentment with drooling after kittenhood. The main reason for this is their kittenhood habits. When a kitten wants to nurse from its mother, it performs a massaging motion, also called kneading, towards the mother's teats to increase milk production. After this movement, the kitten is satisfied and content. This behavior reinforces the bond between mother and kitten, while also allowing cats to associate the massage motion with a relaxing and pleasurable activity. In adulthood, cats express their feelings of satisfaction towards their owners or events around them through this massage motion. Since the massage motion is directly related to nursing, it may be accompanied by drooling. One of the normal drooling behaviors in cats is when they see their food. Unlike dogs, cats generally do not react to food with drooling, but it is not impossible. Therefore, it can be considered normal for a cat to drool when it sees its food. Stress and fear are temporary conditions that can cause drooling in cats. Traveling, visiting the vet, and being in overly noisy environments can trigger stress and fear in cats. These situations can cause excessive drooling. However, if drooling due to stress and fear is prolonged, meaning the cat generally appears stressed, it is essential to consult a veterinarian.

One of the normal drooling behaviors in cats is the drooling that occurs when they see their food. Unlike dogs, cats generally don't react to food with drooling, but it's not impossible. Therefore, it can be considered normal for a cat to drool when it sees its food.

Stress and fear are temporary situations that can cause drooling in cats. Traveling, visiting a veterinarian, or being in overly noisy environments can trigger stress and fear in cats. In these situations, drooling may occur in cats. However, if drooling due to stress and fear is prolonged, meaning the cat generally appears stressed, it is essential to consult a veterinarian.

Abnormal Drooling in Cats

As we mentioned earlier, drooling in cats is not as common as in dogs. Constant drooling in a cat may indicate a health problem. The causes of abnormal drooling in cats are very diverse. Each situation needs to be observed differently, and its symptoms examined.

Oral and Dental Health Problems

Drooling due to irritation in the mouth can generally cause excessive drooling. In this case, the main reason for drooling is to reduce and soothe irritation. The incidence of dental and gum disease in cats over 3 years old is approximately 85%. This type of problem can cause drooling. If the cat's saliva is foul-smelling and bloody, dental and gum disease should be suspected. If tartar buildup occurs on the cat's teeth, the tartar rubs against the inner lip, causing increased salivation. If there is discoloration of the cat's teeth, and the gums are swollen and red, tartar can be suspected. When checking a cat's oral and dental health, problems such as gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and tumors should also be evaluated. You can find care products that help protect the oral and dental health of cats by clicking here.

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Cats may occasionally want to eat plants out of curiosity or to soothe their digestive systems. While cat grass, which is harmless to cats, is an ideal choice to meet this need, our curious friends may sometimes consume plants that are harmful to them. Plants such as tulips, azaleas, and chrysanthemums are poisonous to cats and, when consumed, cause excessive drooling and various health problems.

Nausea

Cats with nausea and vomiting also experience excessive drooling. Internal parasites and gastrointestinal problems can cause nausea and, consequently, excessive drooling. Since nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite are symptoms that directly indicate a health problem, it is essential that a veterinarian examine the cat.

Foreign Objects

Cats may swallow their toys while playing, try to eat objects they shouldn't eat, and these can get stuck in their mouth or esophagus. There are ways to tell if a cat has a foreign object lodged in its mouth or throat. In a cat with this problem, excessive drooling, attempts to vomit, and frequent pawing at its mouth indicate a foreign object. In such a case, the foreign object should be removed by a veterinarian. Heatstroke Heatstroke is common, especially in brachycephalic cats, which are characterized by flat noses. Flat-faced cats like Persian cats can experience heatstroke if they are exposed to too much sun or don't drink enough water. Excessive drooling can be observed in cats experiencing this problem. Organ Diseases Liver and kidney diseases increase in frequency, especially in older cats. One symptom of these age-related diseases is excessive drooling. Regular veterinary checkups should not be neglected for early diagnosis of these diseases. If an adult or elderly cat is observed to be drooling, it is necessary to monitor for obvious symptoms of kidney and liver disease and consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Upper respiratory tract infections in cats can cause drooling in addition to symptoms such as weakness, fever, runny nose, and loss of appetite. The risk of upper respiratory tract infections is higher, especially if there are multiple pets in the house or if the cat has a habit of going outside. Do Dogs Forget Their Former Owners? Do dogs forget their former owners? Living with a dog undoubtedly means having its unwavering loyalty for many people. This feeling of attachment is one of the most special feelings of dog ownership. While the bonds dogs form with humans are often the subject of heartwarming stories, the reality isn't always so simple. In some cases, dogs are forced to separate from their first owners. Although there are many reasons for this forced separation, it's important to know that the situation isn't always easy for the dogs to overcome. Regardless of whether it's an adult or a puppy, those considering adopting a dog separated from its first owner often ask a crucial question: Do dogs forget their owners? The answer to this question can be significant in the adoption process. Factors such as the bond the dog formed with its first owner, the experiences they had together, and how they were separated can all affect the answer. Dogs can quickly form deep bonds with their owners. Many can also quickly adopt their living space as their home. However, while changing owners brings some challenges, it can also bring the priceless joy of restoring trust in a creature whose sense of security has been shaken.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is common, especially in brachycephalic cats, which are defined as flat-nosed cats. Flat-faced cats like Persian cats can experience heatstroke if they stay in the sun too much or don't drink enough water. Drooling can be observed in cats experiencing this problem.

Organ Diseases

Liver and kidney diseases are more common, especially in older cats. One symptom of these age-related diseases is drooling. Regular veterinary check-ups should not be neglected for early diagnosis of these diseases. If drooling is observed in an adult or elderly cat, the prominent symptoms of kidney and liver diseases should be monitored and a veterinarian should be consulted as soon as possible.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Upper respiratory tract infections in cats can cause drooling in addition to symptoms such as weakness, fever, runny nose, and loss of appetite. The risk of upper respiratory tract infections is higher, especially if there are multiple pets in the house or if the cat has a habit of going outside.