My cat has a respiratory infection. Why isn't she getting better yet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 11 years old | 15 lbs
My cat has been sneezing, eye drainage, and very lethargic. I took her to the vet yesterday, and they gave her a shot and confirmed that she had a fever and respiratory infection. I gave her medicine to her today and she does not seem to be improving at all. Is this normal? Does it take longer for her symptoms to begin to die down? Her ears are warm like when she had a fever, and I’m concerned.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 23rd, 2018
Respiratory infections in cats are commonly viral, which means that they have to run their course. Antibiotics can help prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections, but they do not do anything to help with the virus. Supportive care is needed during these times to help Chesney feel better. Consider taking her into a steamy bathroom a few times a day for humidification. Suction her nostrils with a baby bulb syringe if they are really stuffed up. If she isn't eating well consider warming up her food so that she can smell it a little bit easier. Sometimes cats need subcutaneous fluids or IV fluids from the veterinarian to stay well hydrated the first several days of an upper respiratory infection. You may want to consider taking her temperature. Normal for a cat is 100-102. If she is 103 or higher I would encourage you to call your veterinarian to discuss medictions to help with the fever. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 24th, 2018
If Don is refusing food, feverish or unwell he will need to be seen by a vet and assessed for treatment which may include antibiotics or antiviral medications. Otherwise maintaining hydration with water, fresh boiled chicken broth and pedialyte can help as can steam therapy in a shower room (adding vicks/olbas oil can help to loosen secretions if very thick). Keeping his face/nose/eyes clear with sterile saline eye wash and cotton wool can help also
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 30th, 2017
This is a classic presentation of a cat with an upper respiratory disease. They usually do have a fever early in the infection and will feel bad. They also tend to avoid eating and drinking, because the congestion in the nose does not allow them to breathe properly. You can help the congestion by giving him a steam bath. There is a link below that has good information about how to do this and other helpful tips for this condition. http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Cat-Breathe-Easier It's best if you can get your cat to a vet within the next day or two. While these infections are often due to a virus, they can become complicated with bacterial infections, which will make things much worse. The vet would be able to prescribe the necessary treatment to make your cat feel better and keep the infection from getting worse. I hope this helps and the kitty feels better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 28th, 2020
It's not ideal, but as long as he continues to eat and feel okay, he should be okay. You can help the congestion by putting him in the bathroom when you shower as the steam can help the mucus loosen and be more easily expelled. You also get lysine from the pet store to help boost all of their immune systems to speed recovery. Of course if he gets worse, get him seen right away. If he is still sick when you get to his appointment, they may choose to wait to give him his vaccinations since an immune system that is dealing with a current infection can be stressed by adding vaccinations on top of his illness.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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