A slobbering cat is often a happy cat, vets say — but unusual drooling could suggest a health issue

• If your cat has slobbered on you since kittenhood, they likely feel relaxed and content around you.
• Your cat might also stress-drool after a big change, like moving houses or getting a new pet.

You might think that "cats rule and dogs drool," as the saying goes — but cats can be little slobber machines, too. After all, with all those biscuits your cat makes, is it any wonder their mouth waters?

Just like dogs, cats can drool for several different reasons, and it's usually nothing to worry about. It often happens because they're content, in fact — they just can't help but let their happiness leak out.

Other times, though, your feline friend's drooling can indicate an underlying health condition or warn you they've gotten into something they shouldn't have.

Read on to learn five common reasons why your cat can't stop slobbering on your sleeves — and when to call your vet asap.

1. They're relaxed

Have you ever woken up from a particularly good nap to find drool on your pillow? Your cat might do something similar, especially when they feel extra laid-back.

"It can be normal for some cats to drool when they are very content and relaxed, especially when you pet them," says Dr. Chyrle Bonk, veterinarian at Excited Cats.

So, if your cat only drools when they're purring or curled up in your lap, the only thing you typically need to worry about is the slobber spot on your pants afterward.

2. They're nervous or stressed

On the flip side, some cats might drool when feeling stressed.

"Cats are not good with change," says Dr. Audrey Wystrach, veterinarian and co-founder of Petfolk.

So, when your cat suddenly finds themselves in a strange or scary situation — like a car ride to the vet or your new house — they may respond by drooling inside their carrier. While anxiety-related drooling usually doesn't pose a cause for concern, it can still be stressful for both you and your cat.

"If you know your cat gets anxious on long trips or you want to calm them during a big change, schedule a visit with their veterinarian," Wystrach says.

Your vet may prescribe a short-term anxiety medication to keep your cat calm and avoid stress drooling altogether.

3. Their medicine tastes bitter

"When cats salivate after taking medication, it can mean the liquid or pill has a bitter taste," says Dr. Georgina Ushi, veterinarian at Fuzzy.

Remember how much you hated the taste of medicine as a kid? Your cat might not be a fan either, which could lead to their drooling after taking medicine.

In nature, a bitter flavor usually means a toxic substance. So, cats naturally want that taste to go away, which could lead them to drool.

According to Ushi, medicine's bitter taste may also make some cats nauseous. So, watch your kitty closely to make sure they don't throw up.

Quick tip: If your cat drools after taking their medicine, try giving them food, water, or a treat to get the taste out of their mouth and keep everything down. You can also try using pill pocket treats to disguise the medicine and its taste.

4. They ate something they shouldn't have

Cats may also drool after taking a bite out of things like plants and grass, their toys, or even more dangerous items — like electrical cords or your kid's Legos.

"Cats are experts at putting things in their mouths," Wystrach says.

But when your cat bites off more than they can chew, they might get something stuck in their throat or esophagus, which could trigger drooling.

Important: If you think your cat has something stuck in their throat or mouth, it's best to contact your vet immediately.

Getting something stuck in their throat isn't the only danger, either. Some plants can also harm a cat who loves to nibble.

Many common houseplants contain sharp needle-like crystals that can become embedded in your cat's lips, tongue, and throat — which can cause pain and drooling.

Plants that contain these crystals include:

• Caladium
• Calla lily
• Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
• Peace lily
• Schefflera
• Elephant's ear
• Rhubarb
• Philodendron

Some of these plants pose other dangers to cats, too. Lilies, in particular, are highly toxic — eating any part of a lily can lead to kidney failure and death in cats, without prompt medical treatment.

Important: If you catch your cat snacking on a toxic houseplant, it's usually best to call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline and monitor them for any signs other than drooling, like vomiting.

You can avoid this potential problem altogether by replacing these houseplants with cat-friendly alternatives, like spider plants or rubber plants.

5. They have a health condition

Sometimes, your cat's drooling might suggest an underlying medical concern, such as:

• Dental issues: Drooling can sometimes mean there's an issue inside your cat's mouth, like dental disease, a broken tooth, or even a broken jaw. Additionally, some cats may have misaligned teeth — this means they can't close their mouths properly, so drool may leak out.
  • Kidney disease: In older cats, kidney failure can lead to ulcers around the gums, tongue, and lips. These uncomfortable sores can cause drooling.
• Oral cancer: Sometimes, drooling can suggest an oral tumor in the soft tissues of your cat's mouth. This type of cancer is highly treatable if your vet finds it early.
• Neural damage: If your cat damages one of the nerves connecting to their jaw, they might not be able to close their mouth all the way — which could, in turn, lead to drooling. However, neural damage is fairly rare in cats.

Of course, if your cat has one of these conditions, you'll most likely notice other symptoms besides drooling, such as:

• Bad breath
• Mouth bleeding
• Difficulty chewing
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Coughing or sneezing

When to call a vet

If your cat likes to drool when they're relaxed, how can you tell the difference between happy slobber and a potential health symptom?

That largely depends on whether drooling is a new behavior and when your cat typically drools.

"Most cats that drool when relaxed have been doing it their whole life. It's not something they start doing as an adult," Bonk says.

So, if your adult cat suddenly starts drooling out of the blue, that could mean something else is going on.

It may be time to make an appointment with your vet if your cat:

• Suddenly starts drooling outside of relaxing situations, like petting sessions.
• Has other symptoms alongside drooling, like not wanting to eat or pawing at their mouth area.
• Seems anxious, withdrawn, or lethargic.

Important: It never hurts to schedule a check-up with your vet if your cat's behavior suddenly changes in any way. Your vet should be able to spot any obvious problems in their mouths with an oral exam.

Insider's takeaway

If your feline friend likes to drench you with slobber while snuggling, that's usually nothing to worry about. Your cat may drool during petting sessions because they're calm and content.

More frequent drooling can suggest your cat feels stressed, ate something poisonous or too large to swallow, or has an underlying health condition.

If your adult cat suddenly starts drooling out of nowhere, you might want to call your vet. But if relaxed drooling is commonplace for your kitty, slobber puddles on the sofa might just signify you've got a happy cat on your hands.