We typically associate drooling with dogs. It is common to see canines panting with big dribbles of saliva running down their chins. Our feline friends, on the other hand, are also known to drool from time to time.
Drooling is frequently associated with dental diseases or conditions that cause oral pain. However, you may notice drooling and purring at the same time on occasion. This is extremely perplexing! Why does my cat drool when she purrs? Is she in pain, as her drooling suggests, or is she content, as her purring suggests? There are a number of possibilities. Some are benign, and some need medical attention. This article will give you few explanations.

They Are Happy
Your cat is most likely drooling and purring at the same time because she is extremely relaxed and happy. When a cat is happy, he or she will slobber and dribble a little. This occurs for two reasons:
Firstly, the muscles in their mouths relax as their bodies relax completely. As a result, their mouth may hang open slightly, allowing some saliva to escape. This is similar to how people dribble when sleeping with their mouths open.
Secondly, pleasure triggers the release of serotonin, the brain’s “happy hormone.” This is known to increase saliva production. With more saliva now in your cat’s mouth, drooling is likely.
Purring is also normal when a cat is happy, which is why cats purr when they are petted. This goes all the way back to when your cat was a kitten. Purring is used by mother cats to communicate to their kittens where they can find warmth and food, and kittens purr back to show that they are fine. Therefore, purring is an adult cat’s way of communicating happiness and joy.
This phenomenon can be happen at any time. Cats, for example, purr when they sleep if they are happy and content. Furthermore, if your cat falls asleep happily, he will be completely relaxed. This includes the muscles in their mouth and jaw, which increases the likelihood of drooling.
If you don’t want your cats drooling all over the place, just put a clean towel or rag under them. It is recommended that you do not try to change your cat’s behavior or become upset about it.
They May Feel Afraid Or Anxious
The second reason for your cat’s drooling and purring is the polar opposite of happiness and contentment; they may be stressed. Cats don’t like change and can get stressed out over the smallest of things. These examples below can be the reason that cause stress in cats:
- Moving to a new home
- Changing your cat’s food or litter
- Taking in a new person or animal into your home
- Loud noises, such as those made by fireworks or a party
- Traveling by car
If you believe those are the primary causes, try to identify and eliminate the source of fright that makes your cat feel uneasy. When your cat feels secure again, he or she will stop drooling and purring.
When a cat is stressed or afraid, it is natural for them to drool. Stressors cause reactions and pathways in their brains to fire, resulting in an increase in saliva production. This increased amount of saliva, like pleasure, makes it much easier for some to dribble out. This might sound bizarre, but it’s just physiology!
Many people are surprised to learn that purring can occur in response to stress. When we hear a cat purring, we are actually hearing the vibration of their voicebox. These vibrations are at the ideal frequency for calming and healing your cat. As a result, they purr when stressed or anxious as a part of their coping strategy. Combining these two ideas, anxiety is a real possibility if your cat is purring and drooling at the same time.

Your Cat May Be Under The Weather
Another possible reason for your cat’s drooling is that he or she is sick. Most of the time, there may be some dental issues that are difficult to detect until your cat is in a lot of pain. This typically happens because of one or both of the following reasons:
- They may be suffering from oral pain: Oral pain can make it painful or uncomfortable for your cat to keep their mouth shut. As a result, they leave it open, allowing their saliva to dribble down their face. Furthermore, oral pain causes an increase in saliva production because saliva has antibacterial properties that help fight infection, also keeping the mouth wet and lubricated makes it feel more comfortable. This promotes drooling from them.
- Your Cat Feels Nauseaous: when this happen, the body’s natural physiological response is to produce even more saliva. When swallowed, this saliva dilutes their vomit, allowing them to throw up whatever is making them sick more easily. Saliva also contains digestive enzymes, which aid in the breakdown and digestion of whatever is making your cat nauseous.
Your Cat Has Eaten Something Bad
This may sound strange, but eating something unappealing can cause your cat to drool and purr at the same time. In this case, drooling is simply your cat’s way of getting rid of the unpleasant aftertaste of the food they just ate. Furthermore, having something bad indicates that they may have been exposed to toxins, such as toxic plants and food, chemicals, and so on. If you suspect your cat has eaten one of these, take him or her to a veterinarian right away.
Another thing to remember is that if you notice something stuck in your cat’s mouth, carefully examine it before attempting to remove it. DO NOT USE TOO MUCH FORCE TO REMOVE IT IMMEDIATELY. Otherwise, you might risk your beloved pet’s health because the objects can become entangled in their intestines or stomach. Simply take your pet to the veterinarian and let the professionals handle the situation.
Final Thought
Drooling while purring from cats most likely show that they are happy and content. This could happen when you pet them or when they are sleeping. However, the combination of these two behaviors can also indicate stress or illness. You’ll need to look for clues in their body language and behaviors to tell the difference. After observing your cat, if you suspect they are ill or anxious, it is your responsibility to assist them. Create a calm and loving home environment for them, and take them to the vet if they have any medical conditions.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: