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FIV cat still has green snotty sneezes after antibiotics. What now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | unneutered

My cat has FIVHe was on antibiotics for a cold when I got him a month ago, and two days ago finished two courses of antibiotics for a lower respiratory tract infection. He has a snotty green sneeze tonight. What should I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 21st, 2017

Hello, I am sorry for your concerns about Bert. Since Bert just finished 2 rounds of antibiotics for a respiratory infection, & still has a nasal discharge, either the wrong antibiotics were prescribed, or this is a viral infection. You might discuss this with your veterinarian suggesting either culturing the discharge to see what antibiotics will clear the infection, or to try an antiviral medication, like famcyclovir. Sometimes, administration of intranasal saline ( 0.25-0.5 ml saline ) into each nostril has been helpful in breaking up the discharge. And finally, there has been some work done that shows cats with existing rhinitis have been helped when a commercially available FHV-1 & FCV intranasal vaccine is used. I would discuss each of these with your veterinarian at your earliest convenience. I hope Bert is well soon. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    I would recommend a follow up appointment with your veterinarian soon. As you know FIV can decrease the immune system and make it hard to clear infections. He may need longer term therapy or further diagnostics to find out why he isn’t clearing this infection. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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