Dangerous Causes Of Drooling In Maine Coons

Maine Coon cats are known for their large size, affectionate nature, and luxurious coats, but one behavior that sometimes surprises owners is drooling.

While some drooling can be normal, excessive or sudden drooling can indicate an underlying health issue.

Most Dangerous Causes Of Drooling

Drooling in Maine Coon cats can be caused by a wide range of factors, from life-threatening emergencies to mild and temporary conditions.

While some drooling is normal, especially when a cat is relaxed, happy, or anticipating food, sudden, excessive, or continuous drooling may indicate a serious medical problem that requires urgent attention.

To fully understand the risks, let’s break down the causes of Maine Coon drooling from most dangerous to least dangerous:

1. Poisoning Or Toxin Exposure (Life-Threatening And Requires IMMEDIATE Action)

One of the most alarming causes of drooling in Maine Coons is poisoning, which can occur if a cat ingests toxic substances such as:

• Poisonous plants
• Household cleaners
• Medications
• Toxic foods

This is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention, as some toxins can cause organ failure, seizures, or death if left untreated.

Toxic substances that commonly poison cats include:

• Plants such as lilies, azaleas, mistletoe, and tulips.
• Human foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and xylitol (found in sugar-free gum).
• Household chemicals such as bleach, antifreeze, and insecticides.
• Rodenticides and pesticides can cause severe neurological symptoms.
• Human medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are lethal to cats.

Signs of poisoning include:

• Profuse drooling that starts suddenly
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Lethargy or collapse
• Seizures or tremors
• Difficulty breathing

Many poisons work quickly and can cause irreversible damage within hours or even minutes. Without rapid medical intervention, the outcome can be fatal.

2. Severe Dental Disease Or Oral Tumors (Highly Dangerous And Painful)

Maine Coons are prone to dental disease, which can lead to severe pain, infection, and difficulty eating.

The following conditions can trigger drooling:

• Gingivitis
• Periodontal disease
• Abscessed teeth
• Oral tumors

These conditions worsen over time, making it increasingly painful for the cat to eat or groom itself.

Dental problems that cause drooling include:

• Tooth abscesses that cause swelling and infection.
• Stomatitis is an extreme inflammatory reaction inside the mouth.
• Oral tumors or cancer can be painful and obstruct the ability to eat.
• Foreign objects stuck in the mouth, such as bones or string.

Signs of dental disease include:

• Thick, sticky drool, often with blood or a foul smell.
• Difficulty chewing or eating, often dropping food.
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face on furniture.
• Visible redness, swelling, or pus inside the mouth.

Dental infections can spread to the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening complications such as organ damage. If an oral tumor is present, early detection is crucial for treatment.

3. Heatstroke Or Overheating (Can Be Fatal Without Treatment)

Maine Coons have thick, dense fur, which makes them more susceptible to heatstroke in hot or poorly ventilated environments.

Overheating can cause excessive panting, drooling, and, in severe cases, collapse and organ failure.

Common triggers of heatstroke include:

• Being trapped in a hot car or enclosed space.
• Lack of access to shade and fresh water.
• Extreme summer temperatures, especially in humid conditions.

Signs of heatstroke:

• Heavy drooling and panting.
• Weakness, confusion, or collapse.
• Rapid breathing and increased heart rate.
• Vomiting or seizures in severe cases.

Heatstroke can cause organ failure within hours if not treated quickly. Maine Coons cannot sweat like humans, making it difficult for them to cool down naturally.

4. Nausea And Gastrointestinal Issues (Moderate To Serious Concern)

Cats often drool when they feel nauseous, which can be triggered by various digestive disorders such as:

• Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines).
• Liver or kidney disease, which can lead to toxin buildup.
• Motion sickness, especially during car rides.
• Hairballs, which may cause discomfort before being expelled.

Signs of nausea-related drooling include:

• Drooling followed by vomiting.
• Lethargy and lack of appetite.
• Weight loss over time if nausea is chronic.

While occasional nausea is not always a crisis, persistent nausea can indicate serious underlying health problems.

5. Stress, Anxiety, Or Fear (Mild To Moderate Concern)

Some Maine Coons drool excessively when nervous or anxious, such as:

• During a vet visit
• Travel
• Thunderstorms
• Loud noises

This is typically temporary and resolves once the stressful situation passes.

Signs of stress-induced drooling:

• Only occurs in specific situations.
• The cat hides, trembles, or pants in fear.
• Stops drooling once the stressful event ends.

While stress-induced drooling is not life-threatening, chronic anxiety can negatively impact a cat’s overall well-being.

When To Worry About Your Cat’s Drooling

Treatment Options

1. Emergency Treatment For Poisoning

• Contact a vet immediately.
• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
• If toxin exposure is recent, the vet may administer activated charcoal to absorb the poison.

2. Dental Treatment For Oral Issues

• Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia.
• Tooth extractions for infected or damaged teeth.
• Pain management with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication.

3. Cooling Measures For Heatstroke

• Move the cat to a cool, shaded area.
• Offer cool (not ice-cold) water to drink.
• Use a damp cloth to gently cool the cat’s fur.
• Seek immediate veterinary care if the cat is unresponsive.

4. Medical Support For Nausea And GI Issues

• Anti-nausea medication prescribed by a vet.
• A specialized diet that is easier to digest.
• Regular deworming if parasites are present.

5. Reducing Anxiety-Related Drooling

• Provide a safe space with familiar scents and items.
• Use calming pheromone sprays or diffusers.
• Gradual desensitization to stressful situations (e.g., short car rides to build tolerance).

Normal Causes Of Drooling

While excessive or sudden drooling can be a sign of a medical issue, Maine Coon cats can also drool for harmless, natural reasons.

Understanding these normal causes can help owners distinguish between routine drooling and concerning symptoms.

1. Contentment And Relaxation

One of the most common, non-dangerous reasons for drooling in Maine Coons is pure happiness.

Some cats drool when they are deeply relaxed, comfortable, or enjoying affection from their owners.

• Maine Coons often drool while kneading with their paws (a behavior linked to kittenhood and nursing).
• Some cats drool when purring during a cuddle session.
• Drooling may occur when a cat sleeps deeply, as the muscles relax.

This type of drooling is usually mild and stops when the cat becomes active again. It’s a sign that your Maine Coon is content and at ease in their environment.

2. Anticipation Of Food Or Treats

Some Maine Coons drool when they are excited for food, similar to how dogs salivate at mealtime.

• The smell of their favorite meal or a treat can trigger increased saliva production.
• Cats on a raw food diet may drool more than kibble-fed cats due to the scent of fresh meat.
• If a Maine Coon is used to being fed at the same time each day, they might drool in anticipation.

This drooling stops once they eat the food and is nothing to worry about.

3. Chewing On Toys Or Objects

Maine Coons love to chew, and sometimes drool while playing with toys, chewing on cat grass, or gnawing on soft objects.

• Rubber toys or catnip-infused toys can stimulate the salivary glands.
• Some cats suckle on blankets or fabric, leading to drooling.
• If a Maine Coon plays aggressively with a toy, the chewing motion can trigger extra saliva.

As long as the drooling is temporary and there’s no sign of discomfort, this is completely normal.

4. Mild Motion Sickness

Some Maine Coons drool in response to mild nausea caused by car rides or unusual movements.

• Motion sickness can cause temporary drooling and mild discomfort, but it stops once the cat is stationary again.
• This is more common in young cats or those not used to traveling.
• If motion sickness is frequent, a vet may recommend a mild anti-nausea treatment.

This type of drooling is short-lived and not a serious health issue.

5. Teething In Kittens

Maine Coon kittens may drool more than adult cats when they are teething. This typically occurs:

• Between 3 to 6 months of age as their baby teeth fall out.
• When they chew on teething toys or soft objects.

Teething-related drooling is temporary and stops once their adult teeth are fully developed.