Why is my shelter cat sneezing more after vet visit for URI?

Question

My cat has an Upper Resp. Infection. I got him from a shelter 3 days ago, and they claimed they cleared it through vaccines. However, I noticed symptoms (gulping, licking chops, sneezing, a little wheezy while asleep-although that could be just snoring). He is eating, drinking, purring, loving, and playing like a normal, healthy cat. I went to the vet, he said he has a fever, and checked for mouth ulcers for herpes (he didn't find any), and gave him a shot. Since, my cat is sneezing more! Why? Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 7 years old | 11 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Congrats on your new cat, but I'm sorry Felix isn't feeling well! Vaccines won't clear a respiratory infection, and in cats, a common cause of respiratory infections is a virus. I suspect that your vet may have given Felix an antibiotic shot in the hopes that the respiratory infection was caused by bacteria, but if it is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't help either. I can suggest some home remedies to see if that helps with his symptoms. First, you can try starting Felix on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight. If he's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections.

Why is my shelter cat sneezing more after vet visit for URI?

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