Back in September, Tommy, my 16yr old cat sneezed blood. Originally, I assumed he just sneezed hard and it caused his nose to bleed.

Following that incident, he began having these very frequent reverse sneezing fits. There was no discharge from his nose. I thought maybe it was just allergies, and it would eventually clear up on it's own.

About a month ago I came home from work and noticed his symptoms significantly worsened. His reverse sneezing fits were happening repeatedly every couple minutes. I also noticed he was having a difficult time breathing through his nose. He was partially breathing through his mouth. It was very obviously uncomfortable for him. The fits were happeneing so frequently he couldn't really sleep. Everytime he'd lay his head down, they'd start again. I was very concerned at this point. I suspected his issues had to be more than just allergies. I suspected maybe he was actually sick. He's never noticeably been sick before. He's generally a very healthy cat. I also though about the fact of him being 16yrs old; his teeth arent the best. It could be his teeth. I decided I'd take him to the vet first thing in the morning.

After being seen by the vet, they agreed it could be Tommy's teeth causing his symptoms. The vet did confirm Tommy has dental disease. To really see if his teeth were the issue, it would require an X Ray. They also agreed Tommy's issues were localize to his facial area; did not involve lower respiratory system. The vet suggested bloodwork, and a prescription of antibiotics. I could hardly afford the vet bill at the time, but I made it work.

Following the vet visit, his bloodwork came back actually relatively normal. Tommy just had some early signs of change in his kidney levels, which is to be expected for a cat his age. I administed the antibiotics til they were gone. Tommy stopped doing the reverse sneezing thing, and his breathing returned to normal. This only lasted for about a week.

Tommy continued having the sneezing fits, and his breathing has progressively gotten worse. The past week I've noticed him not finishing his dinner. Which he normally would, he is obsessed with food. Then yesterday, I noticed him become slightly lethargic. There was a small amount of discharge from his nose as well. Petting his head, it seemed warmer than usual; suspected fever. His breath smelled much worse than normal as well.

Today, Tommy has been much more lethargic. Sleeping most of the day, not even getting up to eat or drink water. His sneezing fits aren't happening as frequent, but he is still having a hard time breathing through his nose. It worries me so much, and I feel guilty not being able to afford the care he needs. He is only getting worse.

I wanted to take him back to the vet as soon as the symptoms returned, but I just don't have the funds. It is not fair for him. I am going back to school in the Spring, and have recently left my job for mental health reasons.

It is very difficult for me to ask for help, but I am putting my pride aside because Tommy really needs to be seen by a vet. I want to figure out what is going on with him and find a solution. I still very much suspect the issue to be his teeth.

He still has so much life left in him. At 16yrs old, Tommy is normally energetic, still getting zoomies, playing, being a food theif, and he makes sure he is the alpha cat of the house. Tommy is my best friend. I had him since he was a baby, literally more than half of my entire life. He's been with me through so much.

Tommy is not doing well right now and we desperately could really use some help right now. Anything, even a dollar would help. Even if you are unable to donate, please like/share. Get the word out, Tommy needs help.