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Why is my cat foaming at the mouth and drooling? Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | 1 year and 3 months old

Yesterday my cat seemed to be foaming from the mouth and today has been drooling consistently. What could cause this?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 26th, 2016

Nausea is a common cause of drooling or foaming at the mouth. There are several other causes as well, such as dental disease, oral trauma, tooth abscess, stress, tumors in the mouth, stomatitis, poisoning, and even rabies (rare if your cat is vaccinated for it). In the absence of other signs, such as vomiting, I would be concerned that this drooling and foaming at the mouth may be caused by a dental problem, such as a broken tooth or a tooth abscess. You should take Petunia into your vet for a health check and mouth exam. It would be a good idea to get her in a soon as possible (not an emergency, but first thing Monday) because if it is a dental problem, it will be very painful, and she will likely stop eating. Your vet can rule out other causes of these symptoms at the exam.

36Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Usually drooling from the mouth in cats is caused either by nausea or more commonly by dental disease. Gum disease can be very serious in cats, causing difficulty eating and anorexia. It is strongly recommended having you cat checked by a vet, if the gums are indeed the problem there are several courses of treatment that might be needed.
19Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 22nd, 2017
If Luna is eating something and drooling excessively, it could be that item has made her nauseous. I would avoid feeding her food that makes her nauseous or keep her away from things that can cause this to occur.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Amber W
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on December 1st, 2017
Some cats will drool when they are content so I don't think I would immediately be concerned. However, drooling can also be a sign of dental pain, dental infection, or nausea.

If the drooling persists or any other abnormal signs develop in Mia, then I'd recommend having her examined by your veterinarian.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I'm hoping there are no health issues going on with Mia!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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