TL;DR: Pawing at the mouth and drooling usually indicates oral pain or a foreign object and requires a veterinary visit within 24 hours; seek emergency care immediately if your cat has difficulty breathing or pale gums.
What causes my cat to paw at its mouth and drool excessively?
When a cat paws at its mouth and drools, it is typically a sign of oral distress or physical discomfort within the oral cavity. Common causes include:
- Dental disease or fractured teeth
- Oral ulcers
- Foreign objects—such as string, splinters, or grass—lodged in the gums or the roof of the mouth
- Exposure to bitter-tasting toxins or chemical irritants
Is it a veterinary emergency if my cat is pawing at its mouth?
The urgency level for this behavior is Medium. While typically not life-threatening, you should seek veterinary care within 24 hours because oral pain can prevent your cat from eating or drinking. Seek immediate emergency care if you notice:
- Difficulty breathing or gasping for air
- Gums that appear blue or pale
- A swollen face or extreme lethargy
How does taking a photo of my cat's mouth help with triage?
A clear photo or video of your cat’s mouth and drool provides an invaluable visual record for your veterinarian. To assist the medical team safely:
- Gently lift the lip to snap a picture only if your cat allows it
- Never put your fingers inside the mouth of a cat in pain, as they may bite reflexively
- Document the area to help the vet identify inflammation or foreign bodies that may shift before you reach the clinic
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Cats with oral inflammation may present with anorexia, halitosis, and drooling, and the saliva may be blood-tinged. Affected animals may paw at their mouth and resist oral examination due to pain. Regional lymph nodes may be enlarged. Feline stomatitis, a relatively uncommon but serious condition, involves progressively worsening inflammation of oral mucosal tissues, particularly the gingiva, alveolar, labial, buccal, and sublingual mucosa, and the mucosa of the caudal oral cavity. In advanced cases of feline stomatitis, cats will strongly object to opening their mouth, and the mucosa of the caudal oral cavity and the area at and lateral to the palatoglossal folds are often severely ulcerated, friable, inflamed, and proliferative.
Chapter: Dermatology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 362)