Why Do Cats Dribble?

Ever notice your cat drool a little? It’s not as common as with dogs. But some cats really do love to dribble. Maybe they’re kneading your lap. Perhaps they’re purring away. For these cats, a little drool is just part of being happy.

Yet sometimes, cat dribbling points to something else. It might be a warning sign. You should get it checked by a vet. We’ll look at the common reasons cats dribble. Then, we’ll see when you need to worry.

When cats dribble

Most times, a dribbling cat is a happy one. You often see this when they are purring deeply or kneading with their paws. This kneading takes them back to when they were kittens. They felt safe and content. A little drool, or even a lot, comes with that feeling of pure relaxation. If your cat only does this when feeling good, don’t worry. Just keep a towel nearby for those little puddles.

Stress can also cause your cat to drool. If they dribble when going to the vet, or during loud fireworks, it’s probably anxiety. The drooling should stop once they calm down. If it does, there’s no need to panic. You can try to comfort them. Or, talk to your vet. They may offer ideas to help your cat relax.

Cats usually don’t get as messy with food as dogs do. Still, seeing food can make them drool. If your cat drips a bit when you’re preparing their meal, they are probably just hungry. If you don’t see them drool at any other time, then your cat simply loves food.

Causes for concern

If your cat dribbles all the time, it’s a sign. There could be other reasons for it. They likely need to see a vet.

• Dental problems

Cats can’t say if their teeth hurt. So, drooling might be the first sign of trouble. Dental issues or mouth sores cause extra saliva. If you see blood in the drool, or if it smells strong, something is wrong. Get them checked.

• Nausea

Has your cat been throwing up? That can lead to drooling. Always talk to your vet if your cat seems sick or nauseous.

• Something stuck in its mouth or throat

Cats like to explore. Sometimes, things get stuck in their mouths. This might be small toys, string, or fishbones. If this happens, your cat will show discomfort. They may gag or paw at their mouth. Don’t try to pull it out yourself. You could cause more harm than good.

• Other illnesses

Some health issues cause dribbling. Respiratory infections or liver disease are two examples. If your cat looks uncomfortable while drooling, see your vet as soon as you can.

If your cat only drools sometimes, and you know why, then it’s probably okay. This is true if they seem healthy otherwise. But if you’re not sure, it’s always best to ask your vet. Better safe than sorry, right?