Cat Vomiting, Drooling, Runny Nose, and Lethargy: What to Do

A cat exhibiting symptoms like vomiting, drooling, a runny nose, and lethargy is undoubtedly a cause for concern. These signs often indicate that your feline friend is unwell and requires prompt attention. It’s crucial not to dismiss these symptoms as mere passing discomfort, as they could be indicative of various underlying health issues, some of which can be serious. This article will delve into the potential causes behind these symptoms and outline the appropriate steps you should take to ensure your cat’s well-being.

First and foremost, it’s vital to recognize the importance of seeking professional veterinary care. While home remedies might seem tempting, a veterinarian’s expertise is paramount in accurately diagnosing the root cause of your cat’s distress. Only a qualified vet can perform the necessary examinations and tests to determine the underlying issue and recommend the most effective treatment plan. Delaying a vet visit could potentially worsen your cat’s condition and lead to complications.

Possible Causes and What To Do

Here are some potential causes and how to react in each scenario:

1. Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) / Cat Cold

Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite.

Explanation: Just like humans, cats can catch colds. These infections are usually caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) or feline calicivirus (FCV). The vomiting may be a secondary symptom due to nasal congestion and post-nasal drip causing nausea.

What to do:

Veterinary visit: A vet can diagnose the specific virus and prescribe appropriate medication, such as antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections or antiviral medications in severe cases.

Supportive care: Keep your cat warm and comfortable. Gently clean their eyes and nose with a damp cloth to remove discharge. Offer palatable food and ensure they are drinking enough water to avoid dehydration. A humidifier can also help to ease congestion.

2. Oral Issues: Stomatitis and Gingivitis

Symptoms: Drooling (often with blood), bad breath, difficulty eating, pawing at the face, vomiting, lethargy, red and inflamed gums, ulcers in the mouth.

Explanation: Stomatitis is a severe inflammation of the mouth, while gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. These conditions are very painful and can make it difficult for your cat to eat, leading to lethargy and potentially vomiting due to discomfort or nausea.

What to do:

Veterinary visit: A vet needs to examine the mouth, perform dental X-rays (if needed), and determine the underlying cause. Treatment often involves professional dental cleaning, antibiotics, pain medication, and in severe cases, tooth extraction.

Soft food: Offer soft, palatable food to make eating easier.

Oral hygiene: After treatment, implement a regular oral hygiene routine with a vet-approved toothbrush and toothpaste.

3. Toxin Ingestion / Poisoning

Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, uncoordinated movements, lethargy, diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool.

Explanation: Cats are naturally curious and may ingest toxic substances such as household cleaners, pesticides, certain plants (lilies are extremely toxic to cats), antifreeze, or medications.

What to do:

Emergency veterinary visit: This is a medical emergency. The sooner your cat receives treatment, the better their chances of survival. If possible, bring a sample of the suspected toxin to the vet.

Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian. Some toxins can cause more damage when vomited back up.

Activated charcoal: The vet may administer activated charcoal to absorb the toxin in the stomach.

4. Kidney Disease

Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, lethargy, increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, loss of appetite, bad breath (ammonia-like).

Explanation: Chronic kidney disease is common in older cats. As the kidneys fail, toxins build up in the bloodstream, leading to nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Drooling can occur due to the buildup of toxins and the resulting nausea.

What to do:

Veterinary visit: A vet can diagnose kidney disease through blood and urine tests.

Dietary management: A special kidney diet with restricted phosphorus and protein can help manage the disease.

Fluid therapy: Subcutaneous (under the skin) or intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary to help flush out toxins and keep your cat hydrated.

Medication: The vet may prescribe medications to manage nausea, blood pressure, and anemia.

5. Pancreatitis

Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dehydration, fever.

Explanation: Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain and nausea, leading to vomiting. The inflammation can disrupt the digestive process and lead to other symptoms like diarrhea and loss of appetite.

What to do:

Veterinary visit: A vet can diagnose pancreatitis through blood tests and imaging (ultrasound).

Hospitalization: Cats with pancreatitis often require hospitalization for IV fluids, pain management, and nutritional support.

Dietary management: A low-fat diet is often recommended after the acute phase of pancreatitis.

6. Foreign Body Obstruction

Symptoms: Vomiting (especially after eating or drinking), loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, dehydration.

Explanation: Cats sometimes swallow non-food items like string, toys, or hairballs, which can cause a blockage in the digestive tract. This obstruction can lead to vomiting and other serious complications.

What to do:

Veterinary visit: A vet will perform a physical exam and may need to take X-rays or perform an ultrasound to diagnose the obstruction.

Surgery: In many cases, surgery is necessary to remove the foreign body.

Endoscopy: In some cases, the foreign body can be removed using an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera).

7. Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)

Symptoms: Severe vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, abdominal pain, sudden death (especially in kittens).

Explanation: Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects cats, especially kittens. It causes a severe drop in white blood cell count, making the cat vulnerable to secondary infections.

What to do:

Emergency veterinary visit: This is a medical emergency.

Isolation: The cat needs to be isolated to prevent the spread of the virus to other cats.

Supportive care: Treatment involves intensive supportive care, including IV fluids, antibiotics, anti-emetics, and nutritional support.

Vaccination: Vaccination is the best way to prevent feline panleukopenia.

8. Allergic Reaction

Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, itching, diarrhea, lethargy.

Explanation: Cats can have allergic reactions to food, insect bites, medications, or environmental allergens.

What to do:

Veterinary visit: A vet can administer antihistamines or corticosteroids to help alleviate the allergic reaction.

Identify and avoid allergen: Try to identify the allergen and avoid future exposure.

Food trial: If a food allergy is suspected, the vet may recommend a food trial with a hypoallergenic diet.

9. Motion Sickness

Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, restlessness, panting, excessive meowing or vocalization, diarrhea, lethargy.

Explanation: Cats can experience motion sickness during car rides or other forms of travel.

What to do:

Veterinary visit: Discuss anti-nausea medication with your vet.

Prepare for travel:

Avoid feeding your cat for a few hours before traveling.

Use a secure carrier lined with a comfortable blanket.

Ensure the carrier is well-ventilated.

Take frequent breaks during long trips.

Consider using feline pheromone sprays or wipes in the carrier to help reduce anxiety.

10. Stress and Anxiety

Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, diarrhea, excessive grooming, hiding, changes in behavior.

Explanation: Cats can experience stress and anxiety due to changes in their environment, loud noises, new pets, or separation anxiety.

What to do:

Identify and minimize stressors: Try to identify the source of stress and minimize exposure.

Create a safe and comfortable environment: Provide your cat with a quiet and comfortable space where they can retreat.

Feline pheromone products: Use feline pheromone diffusers or sprays to help reduce anxiety.

Consult with a veterinarian or behaviorist: If stress and anxiety are severe, consult with a vet or a certified feline behaviorist for guidance.

Important Considerations

Hydration is crucial: Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so ensure your cat has access to fresh water. If your cat is unwilling or unable to drink, consult your veterinarian about administering subcutaneous fluids.

Monitor your cat closely: Keep a close eye on your cat’s symptoms and behavior. Note any changes and report them to your veterinarian.

Preventative care is key: Regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are essential for maintaining your cat’s overall health and preventing many of the conditions that can cause vomiting, drooling, a runny nose, and lethargy.

Avoid self-treating: Never administer medications intended for humans to your cat, as many of these are toxic to felines. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat any medication.

In conclusion, observing a cat exhibiting vomiting, drooling, a runny nose, and lethargy warrants immediate attention. This is not something to be taken lightly. These symptoms could point to various underlying issues, ranging from mild infections to serious health conditions. Therefore, taking your cat to a veterinarian is paramount to get the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Remember that early intervention significantly improves the chances of a positive outcome for your beloved feline companion. Providing a calm and loving environment during their recovery will also aid in the healing process.