Why Does My Cat… Drool When She’s Happy?

Cats produce copious amounts of saliva for a variety of reasons, including oral pain, difficulty swallowing and even as a response to nausea. Excessive drooling can also occur when cats ingest foul-tasting or toxic food, poison or medication.

But what about otherwise healthy felines who salivate when they’re simply happy?

It seems that a small but significant percentage of cats drool in response to positive stimulation, which is typically also accompanied by purring, rolling over submissively or rubbing their faces against the objects of their adoration. Most of these cats will be lifelong “happy droolers."

Although the biological rationale for this physiologic response remains a mystery, the important thing to keep in mind is that it’s a benign behavior. But if you do suspect any sign of disease, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian.

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