As a devoted cat parent, you’ve probably experienced those moments when your feline friend showers you with affection. Maybe your cat follows you everywhere, even to the bathroom, or perhaps you’ve noticed your cat always follows you around the house like a furry shadow. But what happens when you notice something unusual like drooling? Why do cats drool, and when should this common behavior raise red flags?
While dogs are notorious droolers, seeing saliva dripping from your cat’s mouth can be concerning. Although why do cats drool may seem like a simple question, the answer is more complex than you might think. Occasional drooling can be normal, but excessive drooling often signals something serious that requires immediate attention.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the surprising reasons behind why do cats drool and what it might reveal about your beloved pet’s health. We’ll also discuss why cat behavior, like when your cat follows you everywhere, can provide important clues about their overall wellbeing. By understanding these signs, you’ll be better equipped to care for your companion, especially if they’re showing clingy cat behavior or other unusual symptoms alongside drooling.
Normal Reasons Why Do Cats Drool (The Harmless Causes)
Before diving into the concerning reasons why do cats drool, let’s look at some perfectly normal situations where you might notice your cat producing excess saliva:
1. Contentment and Extreme Happiness
Just as your cat follows you and meows to express affection, some cats drool when they’re incredibly happy. During intense purring sessions or while kneading (that adorable “making biscuits” behavior), why do cats drool often comes down to simple bliss. This type of drooling typically happens when cats are relaxed, receiving pets, or enjoying quality time with their favorite human.
If your cat follows you like a dog and drools during cuddle sessions, it might simply be showing cat attachment to owner through this somewhat messy display of love. Consider it another way your cat shows affection, alongside following you around the house.
2. Anticipation of Food
Have you noticed your cat drooling while watching you prepare their meals? When cats get excited about food, saliva production increases in anticipation. This classic Pavlovian response is normal and explains why do cats drool when they hear the sound of a can opener or the rustle of their treat bag.
Just like how affectionate cat behavior might include following you to the kitchen at mealtime, drooling is a physiological response to the promise of something delicious. Your cat’s brain essentially tells their body to prepare for eating, triggering the salivary glands to activate.
3. Medication and Certain Tastes
Some medications have bitter tastes that can cause excessive saliva production. If you’ve just given your cat medicine and wonder why do cats drool suddenly, this could be the reason. Similarly, cats may drool after grooming themselves if they’ve encountered something with an unpleasant taste on their fur.
4 Scary Causes of Drooling in Cats That Require Immediate Attention
Now, let’s explore the more serious reasons why do cats drool that should prompt a visit to the veterinarian, especially if you notice changes in your cat’s behavior such as reduced interest in following you around or increased clinginess:
1. Dental Disease and Oral Problems
One of the most common answers to why do cats drool is dental disease. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, approximately 50-90% of cats over four years old suffer from some form of dental disease.
Issues like gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth resorption, and oral infections can cause significant pain and discomfort, leading to excessive drooling. If your normally social cat who follows you everywhere suddenly becomes withdrawn or if your cat wants constant attention due to discomfort, dental problems could be the culprit.
Warning signs to watch for include:
- Bad breath
- Discolored, broken, or missing teeth
- Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating hard food
- Pawing at the mouth
- Changes in behavior (like when your cat always follows you suddenly stops)
- One-sided drooling
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for preventing these painful conditions. If you notice these symptoms alongside drooling, don’t wait to seek veterinary care. Dental disease is progressive and can lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.
2. Poisoning and Toxic Exposure
A particularly alarming reason why do cats drool is exposure to toxins. Cats are curious creatures, and sometimes their explorations lead them to dangerous substances. Toxic plants, household chemicals, pesticides, and certain human foods can cause drooling as one of the first symptoms of poisoning.
According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, common household items toxic to cats include:
- Lilies (extremely toxic and potentially fatal to cats)
- Household cleaners
- Insecticides and rodenticides
- Certain essential oils
- Human medications
- Antifreeze
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free products)
If your cat shows signs of overly attached cat behavior or increased clingy cat behavior alongside sudden drooling, they might be feeling unwell and seeking comfort. Other symptoms of poisoning may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Unusual vocalization
Poisoning constitutes a medical emergency. If you suspect your cat has ingested something toxic and you’re wondering why do cats drool suddenly, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661) immediately.
3. Respiratory Infections and Upper Airway Disease
Why do cats drool sometimes relates to respiratory issues, particularly upper respiratory infections (URIs). These infections can cause inflammation of the nasal passages, sinuses, and throat, making it difficult for cats to swallow normally.
When cats have trouble breathing through their nose, they often breathe through their mouth instead, which can lead to drooling. If your cat follows you around the house more than usual while drooling and showing signs of respiratory distress, they may be seeking comfort because they don’t feel well.
Symptoms that might accompany drooling in respiratory infections include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Eye discharge
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Changes in cat bonding with owner behavior (either becoming more clingy or withdrawing)
Upper respiratory infections can be caused by various viruses and bacteria, including feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. While some mild cases resolve with supportive care, severe infections require veterinary intervention, especially in kittens, senior cats, or those with compromised immune systems.
4. Organ Disease and Systemic Illness
Perhaps the most concerning answer to why do cats drool involves systemic illnesses affecting major organs. Kidney disease, liver problems, and certain cancers can all manifest with drooling as one symptom.
When cats suffer from these serious conditions, they may also display changes in behavior. You might notice your cat follows you to the bathroom more often seeking reassurance, or exhibits signs your cat loves you more intensely due to not feeling well. Alternatively, some cats withdraw when seriously ill.
According to The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, chronic kidney disease affects approximately 30-40% of cats over 10 years of age, making it one of the most common serious health conditions in senior cats.
Additional symptoms to watch for include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Vomiting
- Yellowing of the gums or eyes (jaundice)
- Abdominal swelling
- Changes in litter box habits
- Altered behavior patterns
If your cat who normally displays velcro cat behavior suddenly changes their routine alongside drooling, this could indicate a serious health issue requiring immediate veterinary care.
When to Seek Veterinary Care for a Drooling Cat
Understanding why do cats drool helps you determine when to seek professional help. Here are guidelines for when drooling requires veterinary attention:
Seek immediate emergency care if your cat:
- Has been exposed to a known toxin
- Shows signs of severe pain
- Has difficulty breathing
- Is drooling excessively and suddenly
- Has discolored gums (blue, white, or very pale pink)
- Is unable to close their mouth
- Appears disoriented or collapses
Schedule a prompt veterinary visit if your cat:
- Has been drooling consistently for more than 24 hours
- Shows signs of dental disease alongside drooling
- Has changes in eating habits
- Demonstrates behavior changes (like a cat that follows you like a dog suddenly becoming withdrawn)
- Has bad breath accompanying the drooling
- Shows other signs of illness (lethargy, vomiting, etc.)
Understanding Your Cat’s Communication Through Behavior
Just as important as recognizing why do cats drool is understanding how cats communicate through their behavior. If you’ve ever wondered, “why does my cat follow me everywhere?” or “why is my cat so attached to me?”, these behaviors provide valuable insights into your cat’s emotional and physical wellbeing.
The Connection Between Following Behavior and Health
When your cat follows you and meows, or when your cat follows you everywhere in the house, they’re often expressing attachment, seeking attention, or communicating a need. Healthy cats with strong bonds to their owners often display these behaviors as signs of affection and trust.
However, changes in these patterns can signal health problems. A normally independent cat suddenly becoming clingy may be experiencing pain or discomfort. Meanwhile, an affectionate cat who stops following you might be hiding pain or illness, as cats instinctively conceal weakness.
Therefore, if you notice your cat follows you to bathroom visits when they never did before, or if your formerly attached cat stops exhibiting signs your cat loves you, these behavioral changes alongside drooling warrant attention.
How to Help a Drooling Cat at Home
While serious causes of drooling require veterinary care, there are some supportive measures you can take at home while waiting for a veterinary appointment:
- Keep them comfortable: Provide a quiet, calm environment where your cat can rest undisturbed.
- Monitor water intake: Ensure fresh water is easily accessible to prevent dehydration.
- Use a soft cloth: Gently wipe away excess drool to prevent skin irritation, especially under the chin and on the chest.
- Observe and document: Take note of when the drooling occurs, what might trigger it, and any other symptoms to share with your veterinarian.
- Maintain routine: Cats thrive on consistency, so maintain normal feeding schedules and interaction time. If your cat wants constant attention, providing reassurance can help reduce stress.
- Avoid home remedies: Don’t attempt to treat potential oral infections or administer human medications without veterinary guidance.
Preventing Drooling Issues in Cats
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are ways to minimize the risk of conditions that might cause your cat to drool:
Regular Dental Care
Since dental disease is one of the leading reasons why do cats drool, implementing a dental care routine is essential:
- Schedule annual dental check-ups with your veterinarian
- Brush your cat’s teeth regularly using cat-specific toothpaste
- Provide dental treats and toys approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council
- Consider professional dental cleanings as recommended by your vet
Create a Safe Environment
To prevent toxic exposure:
- Research any plants before bringing them into your home
- Store cleaning products, medications, and chemicals in secure cabinets
- Use pet-safe alternatives for pest control
- Keep human foods out of reach
- Secure trash cans with locking lids
Support Overall Health
Maintaining your cat’s general health can prevent many conditions that cause drooling:
- Schedule regular wellness exams
- Keep vaccinations up-to-date
- Provide high-quality nutrition
- Ensure proper hydration
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Address stress and anxiety that might manifest as clingy cat behavior
The Special Bond: Why Cats Form Strong Attachments
Understanding why do cats drool is just one aspect of feline health. Equally fascinating is comprehending why your cat follows you everywhere and how cats form attachments to their humans.
Contrary to the stereotype of cats as aloof creatures, many felines develop strong bonds with their owners. This cat attachment to owner relationship often manifests as following behavior, with some cats earning the nickname “velcro cat” due to their constant companionship.
Research from Oregon State University suggests that cats form attachment styles to their caregivers similar to dogs and human infants. This explains why your cat follows you around the house or why you might wonder, “why does my cat follow me everywhere?”
The strength of this bond can actually benefit your cat’s health. Cats who feel secure with their owners often show less stress-related behaviors and may recover more quickly from illness. This is why maintaining your connection is important, especially when addressing health issues like drooling.
When Following Becomes Concerning: Cat Separation Anxiety
While it’s endearing when your cat follows you like a dog, excessive clinginess can sometimes indicate cat separation anxiety or other issues. If your cat’s following behavior seems compulsive or is combined with symptoms like:
- Excessive vocalization
- Inappropriate elimination
- Destructive behavior
- Drooling when separated from you
- Aggressive behavior
- Over-grooming
These could be signs of an emotional or physical problem requiring attention. Just as drooling can indicate various health issues, overly attached cat behavior can sometimes signal underlying distress.
Understanding the Language of Feline Affection
When pondering why do cats drool during happy moments or why your cat follows you to bathroom visits, you’re witnessing forms of feline communication. Cats express affection in numerous ways:
- Following their favorite person
- Slow blinking
- Purring
- Head bunting
- Bringing “gifts”
- Kneading
- Grooming their humans
Learning to recognize these signs your cat loves you helps strengthen your bond and allows you to better identify when something is amiss. A cat who normally shows affectionate cat behavior but suddenly stops while beginning to drool might be telling you something’s wrong.
Conclusion: Being Attentive to Your Cat’s Signals
Understanding why do cats drool is crucial for every cat owner. While occasional drooling during moments of happiness or food anticipation is normal, persistent or sudden drooling often signals problems requiring veterinary attention.
By recognizing when drooling is concerning, especially when accompanied by changes in following behavior or other symptoms, you can ensure your feline friend receives timely care. Whether your cat follows you everywhere out of affection or suddenly develops clingy cat behavior due to discomfort, being attentive to these signals helps you provide the best care possible.
Remember, cats communicate through both physical symptoms and behavior. When your cat follows you around the house or shows signs your cat loves you, they’re strengthening your bond. This same connection helps you notice when something isn’t right, such as when unexpected drooling occurs.
If you ever wonder, “why does my cat follow me everywhere and now they’re drooling?” don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian. Your observations about your cat’s behavior are valuable diagnostic information that can help identify health issues early when they’re most treatable.
By staying informed about why do cats drool and remaining vigilant about changes in your pet’s behavior, you’re fulfilling one of the most important responsibilities of cat ownership: being their advocate and protector.
Additional Resources
For more information about cat health and behavior, check out these trusted resources:
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Feline Health Center
- American Association of Feline Practitioners
- International Cat Care
- ASPCA Pet Care Resources
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association
