Help! My cat refuses to drink water! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
My cat Greta refuses to drink water and continuously sticks her tongue in and out. What do I do?
Quick Info about Greta
Dear Pat,
When a cat like Greta refuses to drink and you notice repeated tongue movements, it often suggests discomfort rather than simple pickiness. Think of it like having a sore spot in your mouth, you would also move your tongue around trying to relieve that sensation. In cats, this can be associated with oral pain such as dental disease, ulcers, a foreign body, or even nausea. Reduced water intake is especially important because cats are not well adapted to compensate, and dehydration can develop quietly but quickly.
This combination of signs deserves prompt veterinary attention, as a physical exam is needed to assess her mouth, hydration status, and overall condition. In the meantime, offering moisture-rich fresh or wet food or adding a little water to her meals can help support hydration, but this should not replace proper evaluation. Given what you are describing, an in-person exam remains the safest way to keep Greta comfortable and address the underlying cause early.
Kind regards,
- Dr. Paola