Why Do Cats Drool While Purring?

Purring sounds can be pretty darn cute, especially because they usually mean your cat is feeling good at the moment. If your cat is purring as you pet her, she probably is enjoying the touch and attention. The ASPCA indicates that when a feline drools during petting, she may be recalling comforting "feeding time" from when she was a wee kitten with mommy cat. If your cat is both drooling and purring -- even better -- then she feels soothed and relaxed in your presence -- how positively adorable. The relaxation just might be so intense that all thoughts of swallowing go out the door -- hello messy drool.

A giddy cat might not only drool and purr simultaneously, she might also put on a full show of "feeling good" actions -- think rolling over on her back and showing you her belly and then perhaps headbutting your knees.

Do not always assume that drooling is necessarily a happy action, even if accompanied by purring. In some cases, drooling can be a sign of a medical problem in cats, including toxicity to certain plants, feline herpes, halitosis and various upper respiratory infections. If your cat's drooling seems excessive, take her to the veterinarian just to make sure everything is fine and that her drooling isn't health-related.

Surprisingly, purring isn't always necessarily a happy thing either. The ASPCA states that a cat's purr could also be a sign that she isn't feeling well or is very frightened. The sound may be a means for the little one to cope and soothe herself -- poor thing. If you suspect that your cat's purring could be related to any type of sickness, get her checked out at the vet as soon as possible to be safe.