Some cats drool when they're perfectly happy. Others don't. So when it starts happening out of nowhere, it's reasonable to wonder what's going on. Here's how to figure out if you're dealing with normal drooling or something that needs medical attention.
Some cats drool a little when they're content. If your cat drools while kneading, purring, or relaxing, it's often just a sign they're completely at ease. Some cats have always done this, others never do. Either is fine.
Motion sickness from car rides can also cause salivation and nausea in cats. If your cat drools during car rides but is fine as soon as you're home, that's likely the explanation.
Excessive drooling in cats, or drooling that started suddenly in a cat that doesn't normally drool, is worth paying attention to. Common medical causes include:
Dental disease is one of the most common reasons cats drool unexpectedly. Periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth resorption, and oral infections can all cause drooling, difficulty eating, bad breath, and pawing at the mouth.
Cats are excellent at hiding dental pain, which is honestly a bit inconvenient for everyone involved, so dental issues often go unnoticed until they're fairly advanced. A professional dental cleaning or extractions may be needed once the problem is identified.
A foreign object stuck in the mouth or throat, or an oral injury from biting something sharp, can cause sudden, heavy drooling. If your cat is drooling while also pawing at the mouth and having difficulty swallowing, something may be physically lodged in there.
Cats drool when they're nauseated. If your cat is also vomiting, showing loss of appetite, or is lethargic alongside the drooling, nausea is likely part of the picture. Nausea itself has many causes, ranging from hairballs and upset stomach to kidney disease and liver disease.
Upper respiratory infections can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, drooling, and reduced appetite. They spread easily between cats and are common in multi-cat environments. Treatment may include supportive care and antibiotics.
Chronic kidney disease is common in older cats. As the kidneys lose function, toxins build up in the bloodstream, which can trigger nausea and excessive drooling. Weight loss, lethargy, increased thirst, and loss of appetite typically accompany it.
Cats can overheat, especially during Chicago summers. Drooling, rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, and lethargy in a hot environment are warning signs of heatstroke. This is an emergency.
Many common household items are toxic to cats. Lilies are at the top of that list. All lily varieties can cause kidney failure in cats, even with minimal exposure.
Lilies, philodendrons (which are common house plants), antifreeze, and certain cleaning products can also cause sudden, heavy drooling. If there's any chance your cat got into something it shouldn't have, that's an emergency.
Oral tumors can cause drooling, difficulty eating, and bad breath. They're less common than dental disease but worth ruling out, particularly in older cats.
Drooling on its own might be nothing. Drooling alongside other changes is more telling. Pay attention to:
Come to Scout Pet Urgent Care when the drooling is new, persistent, or happening alongside other symptoms:
Your Scout veterinarian will do a physical examination, check the mouth and teeth, and figure out what's going on, and may recommend diagnostics like x-rays or bloodwork depending on what they find. From there, they'll walk you through the next steps with transparency and clarity. Together, you and your veterinarian will make the best choice for you and your pet.
In some cases, you’ll need to go to the emergency vet rather than pet urgent care. Go directly to an emergency animal hospital if:
Toxic exposure and heatstroke move fast in cats. Don't wait on those.
Some cats drool when they're relaxed and happy. If your cat drools during kneading or cuddling and otherwise seems fine, it's likely just a sign that your cat is deeply, embarrassingly relaxed.
Yes. Periodontal disease and gingivitis are among the most common reasons cats drool unexpectedly. A dental exam can identify problems that may not be visible from the outside.
All lily varieties are extremely toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Philodendrons, pothos, and several other common houseplants are also toxic. The ASPCA maintains a complete list of toxic plants that's worth checking before bringing anything new home.
Mild drooling for a day or two after a professional dental cleaning or extractions is normal. Excessive or prolonged drooling after a dental procedure should be checked.
Bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, and visible tartar or redness in the gums are all signs. A veterinary exam is the only way to get a complete picture of your cat's oral health.
Cats are famously good at looking fine when they aren't. If something feels off, that’s worth checking out. Scout Pet Urgent Care offers same-day and walk-in appointments across Chicago. Book online at or stop by between 10 AM and 8 PM, seven days a week.