Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat won't eat or drink, is vomiting, and has a runny nose. Help!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 7 lbs

My cat won't eat or drink. His nose is running mucus and he is throwing up.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on July 21st, 2019

Poor Twilight! It sounds like he is feeling terrible. Just like people, there are many conditions that can make pets feel sick. This could range from a viral infection to kidney disease. Also like us, diseases are best addressed early and this may result in a better prognosis. I recommend to have him examined by the veterinarian today. The doctor will need to learn the underlying cause in order to give appropriate treatment. Bring in a stool sample in case the doctor needs to test it. Cats hide their illnesses until they are advanced so he has likely been sick longer than you may realize. Cats also won't eat if they can't smell the food and the mucus is likely preventing that. He will need to be treated in order to get the mucus to clear up so that he will hopefully start eating again. Dehydration can also set in quickly so have him examined. I hope Twilight starts feeling better quickly! Please feel free to post any additional questions!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on November 3rd, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is a classic sign of nausea. Loss of appetite, diarrhea and nausea can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I am concerned that he could be becoming dehydrated. I recommend that you have Aslan evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Amy Poole, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 18th, 2017
Poor guy! It sounds like you should take Mr Meows-a-Lot in to see a veterinarian today as this sounds like an emergency. If he has a fever and is vomiting, I am very concerned that he may get significantly worse if you wait. Aside from an exam, he likely needs to have some blood work done to see if anything is abnormal that could indicate why he is so sick, as well as IV fluids. Cats usually will lick their lips a lot if they are nauseous, so he likely needs some anti-nausea medication as well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 19th, 2018
They often act like this when they are coming down with an illness. In the next day or two he may have signs of an upper respiratory infection (nasal/ocular discharge and sneezing), or gastrointestinal problems (vomiting or diarrhea). For more information about these conditions, I recommend you read the information at the links below.

http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Cat-Breathe-Easier

https://www.petcoach.co/article/diarrhea-vomiting-in-cats-when-to-call-your-veterinarian/

It's good that he's drinking, but I would worry if he is not eating for longer than 24 hours. In this case you can try hand-feeding him some wet food by putting a little in his mouth at a time.

Please note that the vet will not neuter him if he is sick, so if he is not better by the appointment time, then it would be best to take him for an exam by a vet instead.

I hope that helps and Wilson gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My cat is sick, not eating, lost voice, and trying to throw up.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Many conditions can cause the signs you are describing, from internal masses to infections and intestinal issues. Twinkle should be seen by a vet right away - they can perform bloodwork and x-rays to determine what is going on and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

What to do for my cat's runny nose, bleary eyes, and poor appetite?

Poro Mau Mau! It could be that he is suffering from a respiratory infection causing his runny nose and bleary eyes, but it could also be allergies. Without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain. But the runny nose could be the cause of his decrease in appetite. When cats can't smell their food, they won't eat. I recommend gently warming really smelly wet food such as sardine or fish based to tempt him to eat. You can also try using a humidifier or bringing him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. Without knowing the cause of his systems, I do not recommend giving him any supplements as they may be the improper treatment for him. Have him seen by a vet first thing Monday. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat won't eat, drools, sneezes, and throws up. What's wrong?

I am very sorry to hear about Sky. It definitely sounds like she needs veterinary care. It sounds like she has a wide variety of symptoms that could be associated with a multitude of causes. She could be not eating and drooling due to nausea, or if she has a respiratory infection it could be difficult to eat if she is congested, or she could have a dental issue such as an infected tooth. I would get her to a vet as soon as possible. A good physical examination and history may help the vet narrow down possible causes and guide their testing and treatment recommendations. Best of luck with Sky.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why are my kittens sneezing, vomiting, not drinking, and hoarse?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Vomiting can occur from many conditions such as foreign body ingestion and obstruction, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have them evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. This will likely require bloodwork and abdominal imaging in terms of diagnostics. Treatment would be based on findings. At the very least your veterinarian could start them on medications to make them feel better. In the meantime, keep water available at all times to try to prevent dehydration. Good luck and have a good day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat won't eat, breathes weird, stuffy nose. What can I do?

He may have an upper respiratory infection, which is quite common in cats. It is hard to say for sure without examining him myself. You can try using a humidifier to break up any mucous. As an alternative you can place him in the bathroom with the shower running for 5-10 minutes 2 x daily. However he ultimately will likely need antibiotics to clear up any bacterial infection that may be present. I would also recommend getting him on antiviral medication (I.e. lysine powder or gel from your local pet store or vet clinic) to treat for a suspected underlying viral infection. I hope your kitty feels better soon. Best wishes and take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my cat not eating, drinking, sneezing, and lethargic?

If smudge is not eating or drinking I strongly recommend a visit to the veterinarian. He may have an upper respiratory infection or virus, which can cause fever, lethargy and decrease in eating. Depending on what the veterinarian fines smudge may need antibiotics or antiviral medication or other treatment to get him eating and drinking again. Good luck and I hope he's feeling better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My sick cat is drooling, won't eat, and has a sensitive nose. Why?

It sounds like your vet diagnosed her with an upper respiratory infection. Depending on the virus that causes this, the signs can appear in the eyes, nose or mouth. There is a virus called calicivirus that can cause sneezing and ulcers in the mouth. These can be quite painful and make the cat not want to eat. I typically recommend feeding a canned diet so she can lap it up rather than chew it. A/D is a good diet for this. It is made by Hill's and is available by prescription through a veterinarian. I also will sometimes prescribe pain medication to keep them comfortable and eating while they have ulcers in their mouths. I would recommend calling your veterinarian in the morning to discuss these things. We don't want her to go too long without eating.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share