Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    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
    Petco Pay LogoBecome 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 is sneezing and vomiting. What should I do if he seems fine?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 16 lbs

My 4 year old male tuxedo cat has been sneezing a lot and vomited this morning. He seems to be eating and drinking just fine. He hasn’t had any health issues since I’ve had him. Please help me, as I have no money at this point and time to take him to a Vet... Thank You!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 13th, 2018

Poor guy. It sounds like he has a bit of allergic rhinitis, which can be caused by aerosolized chemicals or just dust/dander in the air. I would recommend using Heppa filters to vaccuum your home and try to eliminate any aerosolized chemicals or irritants that may be causing this. Otherwise, as long as he doesn't continue to vomit, then he should be ok.
If the sneezing continues contact your vet to see if they can prescribe some antihistamines to try for him without a required vet visit.

If he does continue to vomit and the sneezing worsens, here are some financial resources that may be able to help get him seen.

FInancial aid places
Red Rover: https://redrover.org/find-financial-assistance-veterinary-care

Best friends: http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets

AVMA: https://www.avma.org/public/YourVet/Pages/Financial-assistance-for-veterinary-care-costs.aspx

HSUS: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

PAWS: https://www.paws.org/cats-and-dogs/other-services/help-with-veterinary-bills/

Your dogs friend: http://yourdogsfriend.org/we-recommend/need-help-paying-vet-bills/

AFRP: https://www.animalfriendsrescue.org/financialassistance.html

Speaking for Spot: http://speakingforspot.com/?p=Financial%20Assistance%20for%20Veterinary%20Care

3 options for financing include www.carecredit.com, www.scratchpay.com and www.vetbilling.com. The first two companies have low interest APR rates (starting at 5%) and allow you to pay for a vet bill over 6-24 months. The last company offer a billing option for veterinary clients through automatic bank account drafting on a predetermined date at the time of service. Care Credit checks your credit but Scratch Pay does not, making it a good choice for owners who may have been declined for Care Credit in the past.

I hope that Sampson feels better soon! Best wishes and take care.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My cat keeps throwing up bile and sneezing. Can I help him at home?
I'm sorry to hear that Sammy isn't feeling well. Unfortunately, without and Evan, blood testing, and xrays, it's impossible to know if the vomiting is due to something very mild like a virus or something much more serious like a problem with one of his organs or something trapped in his stomach. Sometimes even with testing we don't find out the cause. With three days of vomiting, I would generally recommend a vet visit. Since that isn't an option, you'll have to wait and see if it resolves or not. I wouldn't recommend any supplements or food changes since Sammy is eating well now and we don't want to miss that up. If you notice a decrease in appetite or energy, it would really be prudent to try to find a way to get him to the vet (borrowing from a friend for example). I wish I could give you an at home treatment to start, but there really isn't anything to do at this point short of testing. Wishing you and Sammy the best of luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My cat keeps sneezing. Is it allergies, sick, or should I see a vet?
Unfortunately it’s impossible to say if Carol is sneezing due to allergies, a viral infection or something is stuck in her nostril. You can start her on a cat supplement called Lysine. Carol should take 500mg twice daily. This can help if it is viral. Keep a very close eye on her. Constant sneezing can be the first sign of an upcoming full blown respiratory tract infection. Watch for any nasal or ocular discharge. Watch for lethargy, squinting eyes or not eating well. If you end up needing to go in, there are two companies who may be able to provide financing: Care Credit and Scratch. You can find more information and an application on their websites. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
What causes my cat to cough, sneeze, and throw up frequently?
Cats can commonly have lingering upper respiratory infections. I would recommend that you have your kitty checked out by a vet. They can help diagnose an infection, allergies, or even asthma. Cats have VERY sensitive noses and a strong sense of smell, so I would definitely avoid Vick’s as it can be very irritating to them. Depending on the diagnosis, your vet may recommend steroids, antihistamines, or another treatment that will help him out.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat is sick after new cats. Does he need a vet, or home care?
I'm sorry to hear that Chip has not been feeling well. Since new cats have recently been introduced into your home with some sneezing, a contagious respiratory virus (such as herpesvirus or calicivirus) seem most likely. Some upper respiratory viral infections can also lead to the formation of secondary bacterial infections, which require antibiotics. An amino acid supplement, such as lysine, can help decrease viral shedding in any of the cats. Taking Chip into a steamy bathroom can also be helpful with congestion. However, since Chip sounds as though he feels so poorly, these home remedies alone are highly unlikely to be sufficient. Chip should go to the vet for an exam and will likely need antibiotics. I understand your financial concerns, but fortunately there are some resources available to help. Care Credit (carecredit.com) can provide financing options. There are also many non-profit organizations that provide financial assistance for veterinary care (redrover.org, humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962, bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets, lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/, https://getyourpet.com). I hope that Chip is feeling better soon!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Cat sick: sneezing, sleeping, vomiting, green eye crust. What should I do?
This is a classic presentation of a cat with an upper respiratory disease. They usually do have a fever early in the infection and will feel bad. They also tend to avoid eating and drinking, because the congestion in the nose does not allow them to breathe properly. You can help the congestion by giving him a steam bath. There is a link below that has good information about how to do this and other helpful tips for this condition. http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Cat-Breathe-Easier It's best if you can get your cat to a vet within the next day or two. While these infections are often due to a virus, they can become complicated with bacterial infections, which will make things much worse. The vet would be able to prescribe the necessary treatment to make him feel better and keep the infection from getting worse. I hope this helps and he feels better soon.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Why does my cat vomit yellow fluid, food, and sneeze in the morning?
Xerxes's symptoms are a little confusing. It could just be hairballs. He is a long cat and in keeping himself groomed, he will ingest hairs. Sometimes the hairs form a ball and they vomit them up since it isn't good for the GI tract and can't be digested. Sometimes after vomiting, some of the fluid gets into the nasal cavity. But my concern is since he is a short-nosed cat breed, he may have some issues with his oronasal cavity that cause it to happen more often. He could also have reflux. If he has seen a vet in the last year, call and see if they can do a video consultation so you don't have to get out of the house. If he hasn't been to the vet recently, you may have to go in for an examination.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My cat is coughing and sneezing. What if I can't afford vet care?
It's likely that he is suffering from an upper respiratory infection, he will need an antibiotic course for that. If money is an issue please contact a cat charity in your area of living, they can help with costs of treatment in many cases. Many vets also have payment plans, and there is also a credit company that will land you money toward vet bills ( https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/) .
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Cat SuppliesCat FoodWet Cat FoodCat Asthma MedicationCat Health & WellnessCat Allergy & Itch ReliefCat First AidPrescription Cat Allergy MedicineVaccines and Shots for CatsCat MedicineCat Vitamins & SupplementsElectrolytes for CatsCat AntibioticsCat Hairball ControlCat Seizure MedicationCanned Cat FoodDewormer Treatments for CatsCat Urinary CareVeterinary Diet Cat FoodFlea & Tick Solutions for Cats
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button