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My cat has trouble swallowing food but drinks water. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

My cat is having difficulty swallowing food since yesterday but she is drinking water, please what do I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on July 22nd, 2018

I would feed her soft canned food until you are able to get her evaluated by your veterinarian. She could have an injury, an abscess, or even a tumor that could be inhibiting her swallowing. Watch her breathing closely as it is possible that what is inhibiting the swallowing may progress to inhibiting breathing. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 22nd, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. If you are feeding dry food I would switch to canned food for now to see if she is able to handle wet food better. I am concerned with the trouble swallowing that she is having. There could be a tumor in the back of her mouth, severe dental disease causing severe oral pain, Stomatitis causing oral pain and difficulty swallowing, etc. I would recommend she be seen by a veterinarian so that she can be examined and her mouth checked out for any abnormalities that may be present so that the most appropriate recommendations can be made for her. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on May 3rd, 2017
If she is eating and drinking with no difficulty swallowing I would recommend you just continue to monitor for any recurrecne of the symptoms - it sounds like the problem has rectified itself and she should recover uneventfully
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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