The Daily Cat

My cat drools a lot when I pet him. Should I be concerned?

In some cats, drooling is an involuntary response to the pleasure of being petted. The drooling is usually accompanied by a kneading action of the front paws. If this is not the case, then a medical condition should be considered. Excess drooling and slobbering from a cat could be a result of dental problems, such as inflamed gums or even a bad tooth. A common problem in cats, known as “cervical neck lesions,” affects the upper portion of the tooth, beyond the gum line.

Another problem to consider is that your cat may have a foreign object stuck in its mouth. There are times when cats will get a piece of string or a splinter of wood lodged between their teeth, and the discomfort will result in drooling. On occasion, the problem will be with the lip -- often difficult to detect without a veterinary examination. Ulcers or injuries may be the underlying problem here as well. All these situations need proper medical attention.

Regardless of the cause, a drooling cat should be examined by a veterinarian to help determine the problem so that correct medical treatment can be administered. If left unattended, conditions may worsen to the point that appetite is affected, and your cat may become seriously ill.