Why Does My Cat Drool When I Pet Him? [Causes & Remedy]

As cat owners, we’ve all likely experienced that delightful moment when our feline companion purrs contentedly in our lap, but there’s one curious behavior that might catch us off guard: drooling. Cats, unlike dogs, don’t typically drool excessively. So, when your cat starts leaving little droplets of saliva while you’re giving them a good scratch or pet, it can spark questions. Is this behavior normal? Is my cat trying to tell me something? And perhaps more importantly, should I be concerned? In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind this sometimes perplexing behavior and help you understand when it’s just a harmless quirk and when it could signal a health issue.

Why Does My Cat Drool When I Pet Him?

Drooling in cats is not something that typically happens in the same way it does in dogs. While it’s normal for dogs to slobber when excited or happy, cats are more reserved, and their drooling is often linked to specific triggers or sensations. When your cat drools as you pet them, it could be a sign of enjoyment, comfort, or even overstimulation. Cats have a wide range of emotional and physical responses to being petted, and salivation is just one of the ways they might show their reaction.

At its core, drooling is a reflex response to certain stimuli. When your cat is purring and clearly enjoying the attention, the increased salivation might be tied to the pleasure they’re feeling. For some cats, especially those with more sensitive nervous systems, being petted can trigger an involuntary increase in saliva production. Alternatively, if your cat has a particularly sensitive or overstimulated spot, the drooling may be a sign of excitement or overstimulation.

Common Reasons Cats Drool When Pet

There are a number of common reasons why your cat might drool when you pet them, and most of them are relatively harmless. However, it’s important to understand each possibility in more detail:

  1. Pleasure and Contentment: A cat that is very comfortable and relaxed during petting may start drooling as a sign of contentment. The stimulation from being petted releases endorphins in the cat’s brain, similar to how we might get a "feel-good" response to certain pleasurable experiences. The more your cat enjoys the interaction, the more likely they are to drool, particularly around the chin or neck area.

  2. Nausea or Gastrointestinal Issues: Sometimes, drooling can be a symptom of nausea. If your cat is feeling queasy, they might drool in an attempt to cope with the discomfort. This could happen if they’ve eaten something that upset their stomach, or if there’s an underlying issue such as a hairball they’re struggling to pass.

  3. Overstimulation: Cats can sometimes become overstimulated by excessive petting. Their sensitive skin may react to prolonged touch, particularly around sensitive areas like the belly or tail. In some cases, this overstimulation can lead to drooling as a sign of discomfort.

  4. Dental Issues: If your cat is drooling excessively while being petted, it might also be related to dental problems. Cats with oral issues like gum disease, tooth abscesses, or oral infections may drool to relieve the discomfort or due to the pain in their mouth.

  5. Heat or Anxiety: Cats may also drool as a result of stress or anxiety, especially if they’re in a new environment or exposed to unfamiliar people. Similarly, female cats in heat may drool as part of their hormonal changes and behavior.

When To Be Concerned

While drooling in cats is often benign, it can sometimes signal underlying health problems. Here are some situations when you should take drooling more seriously:

  1. Excessive Drooling: If your cat’s drooling becomes noticeably excessive or lasts for an extended period, this may be a red flag. While some saliva is normal, constant or copious drooling should not be ignored.

  2. Changes in Behavior: If your cat’s drooling is accompanied by other behavioral changes, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or excessive grooming, it could indicate a more serious issue. It’s particularly concerning if the drooling seems to be causing distress to your cat, rather than being a sign of enjoyment.

  3. Signs of Pain or Discomfort: If your cat appears to be in pain while drooling (such as by hissing, growling, or avoiding being touched), it’s important to assess if there might be a medical issue. Dental problems, injuries, or illnesses can cause drooling in combination with discomfort.

  4. Difficulty Swallowing or Eating: If your cat struggles to swallow, has difficulty eating, or if their mouth looks swollen, inflamed, or unusual, it could be a sign of oral disease, abscesses, or even a foreign object lodged in their mouth.

  5. Foul-Smelling Breath: A bad odor coming from your cat’s mouth, in combination with drooling, could be a sign of a serious dental infection or other health problems that need veterinary attention.

How To Respond As A Cat Owner

If you notice your cat drooling while you pet them, it’s important to pay attention to the context. Here are some ways to respond:

  1. Observe Your Cat’s Behavior: Watch your cat’s body language and overall demeanor. If they seem relaxed, happy, and purring, then the drooling is likely a positive sign. On the other hand, if they’re agitated, growling, or withdrawing from you, the drooling might be a sign of overstimulation or discomfort.

  2. Check for Dental Health: Regularly check your cat’s mouth for signs of dental disease, such as redness in the gums, tartar buildup, or bad breath. If you notice any of these signs, consult your vet for a dental checkup. Keeping your cat’s teeth clean through regular dental care can prevent many issues that lead to drooling.

  3. Monitor for Other Symptoms: Keep an eye on your cat’s overall health. If the drooling persists or is accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or lack of appetite, consider it a sign that something might be wrong, and seek professional help.

  4. Limit Overstimulation: If you know that your cat gets overstimulated by petting, try to limit the length of your petting sessions. Focus on areas they enjoy, such as the head or back, and avoid overly sensitive spots like the belly or tail.

When To Consult A Veterinarian

If you’re noticing that your cat’s drooling is becoming more frequent, severe, or is accompanied by other concerning signs, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. Here are some scenarios where you should seek professional help:

  1. Persistent Drooling: If drooling continues for more than a day or is not linked to obvious excitement or comfort, it’s time to make an appointment with your vet. This could indicate an underlying condition such as dental disease, nausea, or neurological issues.

  2. Severe Pain or Discomfort: If your cat shows signs of distress, such as crying out, avoiding touch, or other indications of pain, it’s important to have them seen by a vet. Oral issues or infections are commonly associated with painful drooling.

  3. Other Symptoms of Illness: If drooling is paired with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, or excessive grooming, it could be a sign of a digestive issue, infection, or toxin ingestion that requires immediate attention.

  4. Changes in Oral Health: If you see noticeable changes in your cat’s mouth, such as swelling, red or bleeding gums, or a change in the way they chew or eat, these could all be indicators of a dental problem that needs veterinary intervention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drooling in cats can be a relatively common occurrence, especially when they’re being petted. While it’s often harmless and linked to comfort or overstimulation, it’s essential for cat owners to observe their cat’s behavior and health closely. Most of the time, a cat’s drooling is a simple sign of pleasure or excitement, but in some cases, it can indicate an underlying medical issue, from dental problems to nausea or stress. Understanding when drooling is just a quirk and when it’s a warning sign can help you ensure that your feline friend stays happy, healthy, and comfortable. If in doubt, always err on the side of caution and consult your veterinarian to rule out any potential concerns.

FAQs

Is It Normal For My Cat To Drool When I Pet Him?

Yes, it can be normal for some cats to drool when they are petted, especially if they are in a relaxed and content state. Cats can release saliva as part of their enjoyment, similar to how some might purr. However, excessive drooling can be a sign of an underlying issue and should be monitored.

Why Does My Cat Drool When I Pet Him But Not At Other Times?

When your cat drools while being petted, it may indicate that the sensation is particularly pleasurable for them. Petting can stimulate the salivary glands, leading to drooling, especially if the cat is deeply relaxed or feeling affection. This is usually harmless.

Could Drooling While Petting Be A Sign Of Dental Issues In My Cat?

Yes, dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, or oral infections can cause drooling in cats. If the drooling is excessive or accompanied by signs like bad breath, difficulty eating, or pawing at the mouth, it could indicate a dental problem that needs veterinary attention.

My Cat Drools When I Pet Him, But The Drooling Has Increased Recently. Should I Be Concerned?

If your cat’s drooling has suddenly increased, it’s important to look for other symptoms like changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or signs of pain. This could be indicative of health issues such as oral infections, nausea, or even a problem with the gastrointestinal system. A vet visit would be a good idea.

Can Stress Or Anxiety Cause My Cat To Drool When I Pet Him?

Yes, stress or anxiety can cause cats to drool. Some cats may drool when they feel overwhelmed, nervous, or scared. If your cat’s drooling happens in stressful situations, such as during a trip to the vet or when exposed to unfamiliar environments, anxiety could be a factor.

Does Drooling When Petted Indicate That My Cat Is Overly Dependent On Me?

Not necessarily. Drooling from affection when petted is more likely a sign that your cat feels comfortable and safe with you. While it can be an expression of attachment, it is not typically a sign of dependency or insecurity, as long as your cat is also independent in other aspects of behavior.

Could My Cat Drool Because Of A Medical Condition Unrelated To Being Petted?

Yes, several medical conditions can lead to drooling in cats, including nausea, poisoning, or neurological disorders. If your cat’s drooling is persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, or behavioral changes, you should consult your veterinarian.

What Is The Best Way To Prevent Excessive Drooling In My Cat When I Pet Him?

If your cat drools excessively while being petted and it’s not due to a health issue, you can try changing the type or location of petting to see if that reduces drooling. Additionally, make sure your cat has regular dental check-ups to rule out dental causes. If the drooling continues or worsens, it may be time for a vet visit.

Does Drooling While Petting Have Anything To Do With My Cat’s Age?

Age can play a role in drooling behavior. Older cats may experience more drooling due to dental issues or age-related health conditions. If your cat is older and begins to drool more frequently while being petted, a thorough veterinary examination is recommended.

Can Certain Cat Breeds Be More Prone To Drooling When Petted?

Yes, some cat breeds are more prone to drooling, especially breeds with short faces, like Persians, Exotics, or Himalayans. These cats may have an increased tendency to drool due to the structure of their mouth and jaw. However, drooling is still usually normal if the cat is otherwise healthy.