Is Cat Drooling Normal or a Sign of Dental Issues?

Cats are more than just pets; they are an integral part of our families. That is why noticing unusual behaviors, such as cat drooling, can cause worry.

Dogs drool often, but cats usually do not. A little saliva from time to time can be normal, but if your cat drools a lot or often, it may be a warning that something is wrong, especially with their teeth or gums.

The challenge is that cats cannot tell us when they are in pain. They hide discomfort very well. Therefore, as owners, we need to pay close attention to signs such as drooling, bad breath, or changes in eating habits.

What does it mean when a cat is drooling?

Drooling (ptyalism) means saliva flows out of the cat’s mouth instead of being swallowed. This can happen as part of something normal or show health problems in the cat. 

When is cat drooling normal?

There are some situations in which cats can drool, but they are harmless:

• Relaxation: many cats drool when they are purring, kneading, or being petted.
• Excitement for food: saliva may appear when they smell or anticipate their favorite meal.
• Temporary stress: some cats drool in the car, during vet visits, or when anxious.

Harmless or normal drooling is temporary, not smelly, and stops on its own.

When should cat drooling concern you?

You should worry if drooling is:

• Chronic or excessive: happens daily or makes fur around the mouth wet.
• Smelly: bad breath usually means infection.
• Linked to pain, loss of appetite, or weight loss.

In these cases, the cause is often dental disease or another health issue that needs veterinary care.

Why is cat drooling often linked to dental issues?

Dental and oral diseases are the most common reasons for persistent cat drooling. When the mouth is inflamed, painful, or infected, saliva builds up because swallowing becomes difficult.

Studies suggest that up to 70–90% of cats will suffer from dental disease at some point in their lives. Let’s see the main dental causes.

Can gum disease cause drooling?

Yes. Gum disease usually starts with plaque and tartar buildup. Over time, this causes gingivitis (red, swollen gums) and later periodontal disease (damage to teeth and bones).

Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Red or inflamed gums.
• Bleeding when eating.
• Persistent bad breath.

Painful gums make swallowing hard, so saliva escapes, leading to drooling.

Can tooth abscesses make cats drool?

Yes. A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection at the root of the tooth.

Symptoms of an abscess include:

• Foul-smelling drool, sometimes with blood or pus.
• Pawing at the mouth or face.
• Refusal to eat hard food.

If untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw or even the bloodstream, which is life-threatening.

Does stomatitis trigger drooling?

Yes. Feline stomatitis is one of the most painful oral diseases. It is a severe inflammation of the whole mouth, often linked to an abnormal immune response.

Symptoms of stomatitis include:

• Sometimes bloody drool.
• Strong odor from the mouth.
• Weight loss and poor appetite.
• Lethargy and pain while eating.

Stomatitis almost always causes chronic drooling and needs immediate veterinary treatment.

Can oral tumors or lesions cause drooling?

Yes. Oral growths such as tumors, ulcers, or polyps can cause excessive saliva in the mouth due to swallowing difficulties.

Symptoms of oral tumors include:

• Thick or sticky saliva.
• Visible swelling or sores in the mouth.
• Difficulty swallowing or refusing food.
• Facial swelling.

The most common oral cancer in cats is oral squamous cell carcinoma, which makes up about 20% of feline cancers. Many of these tumors are malignant and need urgent veterinary care.

We have talked about the most common dental issues that cause cat drooling, but there are other problems, less common, but the same important as:

• Tooth resorption: painful breakdown of the tooth structure.
• Mouth ulcers: open sores inside the mouth.
• Loose or broken teeth: make chewing difficult and painful.
• Oral injuries: burns from chewing electrical cords, broken jaws after accidents, or wounds from catfights.

Paying attention to your cat’s behavior and warning signs is very important for taking better care of them and providing effective treatment.

What other causes besides dental disease can make cats drool?

While dental problems are the main cause of cat drooling, they can also drool for other health or environmental reasons.

Can a foreign object cause drooling?

Yes. A string, fishbone, sewing thread, or plant material stuck in the mouth or throat can trigger drooling.

Signs of a stuck object:

• Difficulty swallowing.
• Pawing at the mouth or face.
• Refusing food.

Do not try to pull out deep objects yourself. Always let a vet remove them safely.

Can heat stroke make cats drool?

Yes. Heatstroke is less common in cats than in dogs, but it can happen, especially in overweight or flat-faced cats.

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

• Heavy panting.
• Red tongue or gums.
• Vomiting, restlessness, or lethargy.
• Skin hot to the touch.

This is a medical emergency. Move your cat to a cool place and take it to a vet immediately.

Can nausea or stomach upset make cats drool?

Yes. Anything that causes nausea can lead to drooling, as well as other symptoms, such as vomiting, decreased appetite, or lethargy.

Possible causes of nausea:

• Motion sickness during travel.
• Eating spoiled food or something toxic.
• Food allergies or digestive disease.
• Side effects of medication.
• Liver or kidney disease.

Can respiratory infections cause drooling?

Yes. Cats with infections like feline viral rhinotracheitis or calicivirus may drool because of mouth pain or congestion.

Other symptoms include:

• Runny nose.
• Eye discharge.
• Sneezing or coughing.
• Loss of appetite.

Cat drooling is not always from dental disease. It also has many other reasons. For that, it’s very important to make the vet visits, he can help you to understand what is happening and treat the root of the problem.

What should you do if your cat is drooling?

Cat drooling can be harmless, but it may also signal dental disease or another health problem. Here’s what you should do:

Check the mouth (only if safe)

• Look for red or swollen gums.
• Check for ulcers, bleeding, swelling, or sores.
• Look for foreign objects like string, bone, or plant material.

If your cat resists or becomes aggressive, stop and let the vet check.

Note other symptoms

If your cat only drools may be normal, but drooling plus other signs usually mean a problem:

• Bad breath.
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat.
• Dropping food while chewing.
• Weight loss.
• Behavior changes (less play, more irritability).

Schedule a veterinary visit

Your vet is the ideal professional who can check your cat. The professional may recommend: 

• Dental X-rays to find hidden problems.
• Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia.
• Tooth extractions for damaged or painful teeth.
• Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication.
• Pain relief to help recovery.

Sometimes, a biopsy is needed to rule out oral cancer.

Many human medicines are toxic to cats; for that reason, never give drugs without a vet’s advice.

When should you worry about a cat drooling?

Not all drooling is dangerous. Some cats drool when relaxed, purring, or happy. But you should see a veterinarian if drooling is:

• Constant or getting worse.
• Combined with bad breath or red gums.
• Linked to loss of appetite or refusal to eat.
• Accompanied by weight loss or behavior changes.
• Mixed with blood in the saliva.

Some emergency signs may include: 

• Vomiting or diarrhea.
• Trouble breathing.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Contact with a toxic plant or substance.
• Seizures.

Cats are good at hiding pain. If you are unsure, it is always safer to call your vet.

How can you prevent dental issues in cats?

The best way to stop drooling caused by dental problems is prevention. You can help your cat by:

• Regular dental check-ups: Visit the vet once a year for dental exams.
• Brushing routine: Brush your cat’s teeth with cat-safe toothpaste.
• Dental-friendly diet: Choose food that supports healthy teeth and gums.
• Dental treats and toys: Use products that reduce plaque and tartar.
• Monitoring: Watch for changes in eating, chewing, or behavior.

Prevention and early vet care keep your cat healthy, comfortable, and free from pain.

What products help manage and prevent cat drooling?

Prevention is the best way to avoid drooling caused by dental problems. Some helpful products include:

• Virbac C.E.T. enzymatic cat toothpaste & brush kit: Cat-safe toothpaste for daily brushing.
• Greenies feline dental treats: Crunchy texture helps clean teeth while rewarding your cat.
• Oxyfresh pet dental water additive: Added to drinking water to fight bacteria and freshen breath.
• Petstages cat dental chew toys: Encourage chewing, massage gums, and reduce tartar.

Daily brushing, combined with these aids and regular vet dental cleanings, is the most effective prevention.

How can you tell when cat drooling is serious?

Not all cat drooling is bad. Some cats drool when they are happy or relaxed. You should worry if drooling is constant, or comes with bad breath, red gums, or not eating.

The most important thing is to visit the vet, brush your cat’s teeth, and use dental treats or toys. This helps your cat stay healthy, comfortable, and happy.