Vomiting due to virus?

Dr. Marie replied:

Thanks for your question! It's nice to hear that you would like to be a vet. It's hard work sometimes, but very rewarding.

This is a tough question to answer without being able to see Smokey, but I can give you a few of my thoughts.

It certainly is possible that Smokey has an upper respiratory tract virus. Cats with this type of virus get really congested and can sound like they are coughing or trying to clear their throats. If this is the case, many cats can recover on their own similar to how we would recover from a cold. However, if you are noticing a green discharge from her eyes or nose then this is a sign that there could be a bacterial infection and a vet visit is important. Similarly, if he has a reduced appetite then a vet visit is a good idea.

It is also possible for an older cat to catch parasites from a kitten if he has had contact with the kitten's stool. However, what you are describing doesn't sound like a parasite issue.

Given Smokey's age there are other things that I would be concerned about as well. As cats get older we can see problems such as cancers that are worriesome.

If possible, a vet visit really does sound like a good idea. If your vet suspects an upper respiratory tract virus then they may prescribe an amino acid called lysine which will help Smokey to fight this.

I hope he feels better soon!

Dr. Marie

---This question was asked in our Ask A Vet For Free section.---

---

Check out our dog age calculator and cat age calculator.