Why Does My Cat Drool All the Time?

When I was a kid, one of my favorite pets was a bobtailed tabby named Tush. He was a delightful, friendly cat, but had one incredibly unusual behavior: he drooled excessively whenever he was happy. For decades, I met no other cats who exhbited this cute (if gross) behavior. Then, a few weeks ago, I adopted the newest member of my family-- a tomcat named Ziggy Stardust. Ziggy, as it turns out, is also a drooler. At any given point, he's likely to have a string of drivel hanging from his mouth.

I took Ziggy to the veterinarian for his first check-up a week after adopting him from our local shelter, and decided I'd ask about the cat's apparently unusual habit of drooling. The veterinarian assured me that it was normal, and that it isn't an altogether uncommon behavior for domestic cats. Most cats who drool do so for completely benign reasons.

Drooling in cats is considered to be a form of neotony, or the retainment of infant-like traits into adulthood. Neotony is very common in domesticated animals-- for example, domesticated dogs generally have floppy ears and submissive behaviors, like the cubs of wild wolves. Domesticated cats meow, "make biscuits," and purr-- all of which are traits not seen in adult wild cats. Domestication has made cats developmentally kitten-like even into their adulthood.

Kittens drool when around their mothers because their salivation stimulates the production of their mother's milk and helps to pre-digest milk before it enters their sensitive, undeveloped tummies. When feeling affectionate, cats may knead, purr, and drool simultaneously to demonstrate kitten-like adoration. This behavior is a sign that your cat is not only happy, but also very highly domesticated, since he has retained these infant-like behaviors.

In other cases, though, excessive drooling in cats may be a sign of a problem. A cat who suddenly begins drooling more than usual needs a prompt veterinary exam. My cat's vet said that cats who drool normally should only do so when happy, so drooling at the vet's office is a sign of a problem. Diseases such as feline leukemia, liver disease, dental decay, and nerve damage can all cause a normally-dry kitty-mouth to begin driveling excessively.

If you're concerned about your cat's drooling, it can't hurt to make an appointment with a veterinarian to rule out an underlying issue. If this has happened throughout your cat's life, the behavior is almost certainly normal. However, sudden or inappropriate drooling may need expert attention. A quick visit to your vet's office can help to ensure your furry friend's long-term health and safety.