Sinus problem in cats

I have had this "foster cat" for 8 years now, lol. I took him in because he was near death, being found on the beach about 4 or 5 weeks. Somehow i kept him from dying, but has always had flare ups with sinus. At times he even mouth breathes when he is sleeping. He sneezes constantly, gross sneezes that fly everywhere. this "foster" is now 6yr and has always had those periods of congestion in his sinus. He is inside cat but has outside area. Can I give cats something like Benidryl? Taking cat to vet would be life threatening, for me, not the cat. He has always been feral. Anyone know if  there is any over the counter remedies and the dosage?  Dee18

I'm so sorry no one has answered your post before now. And on your first post, too!   To answer your question, you should never give over the counter medications to a cat without checking with the vet first.  Some medications that humans can take are toxic to cats.  Plus, there is the dosage to work out.  Having said that, benedryl is given to cats for congestion, but again only other a vet's supervision.  You don't want to overdose by mistake. 

Do you have a good relationship with a vet?  If so, perhaps you could call and see if they will give you the dosage over the phone.  That would involve being able to weigh your cat, however.  Is that possible?  You said he's feral?

Another option available in some areas is to have a mobile vet come to the house.  Your regular vet (if you have one) can probably recommend a mobile vet for you.

There are ways to get feral cats to the vet,  although you might have to use a trap or have a second person to help.  Is he fully feral or semi-feral?  The fact that he spends most of his time inside makes me think he's probably semi-feral.  Does he let you touch him? 

It's wonderful you saved this guy's life when he was a little sprite.    I hate to think of him being such a baby, being alone on a beach.  Thank heavens you came along!

Anyway, a big welcome to TCS and again I'm sorry about the delay in a response.  Please let us know how he does. 

I too am sorry responded to your initial post. 

Yes, some people give their cats benedryl,and some people give them Claritin or Zyrtec.  Are you certain these are allergies.  Those medications are usually for seasonal allergies.  Does this only happen at certain times of the year?  Does he have any other issues...watery eyes, congestion, that type of thing?  Could it actually be Feline Herpes? 

Anyway, here is a thread about cat sneezing you might find useful:  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/297259/sneezing