Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why isn't my cat's respiratory infection improving with antibiotics?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Egyptian Mau | Male | neutered | 2 years and 3 months old | 12 lbs

I recently adopted a new cat from a different country; she developed what seemed like an upper respiratory infection. She had green snot and was sneezing and periodically coughing. She took tablet antibiotics that didn't help much; then they put her on liquid antibiotics for a month. She has less green snot but still sounds congested/sneezing/coughing. My other kitty (who has been separated from her) is now coughing. Where should I go from here? Just stubborn to antibiotics?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 29th, 2018

A lot of times, respiratory infections in cats are caused by a virus, not bacteria, so antibiotics will be ineffective. I would keep giving them to Tofu as directed by your vet, and I can give you some things you can try at home to see if they help her. You can use these methods on your other cat as a well, and I'd take that cat into the vet for a check up this week. First, you can try starting her 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 she's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing her 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. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 22nd, 2018

    Poor Leonardo! In cats, respiratory infections are typically used by a virus, so an antibiotic would not be helpful. That's not to say that medications from the vet cannot be helpful for his symptoms, especially for the runny eyes. I recommend giving his vet a call in the morning to set up an appointment for him. In the meantime, I can give you a few things to do at home for him, but this should not replace a trip to the vet. First, you can try starting him 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. Since 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. If his appetite decreases from the congestion (cats won't eat if they can't smell their food), try gently warming really smelly wet food such as sardine or fish based. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 16th, 2017

    Please do not give Smokey any human cold medications. Many contain ingredients that are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. First, you can try starting her 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 she's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing her 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.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 14th, 2017

    It can take a couple of days before you see improvement, but respiratory infections in cats are often caused by a virus, and antibiotics won't work. I can give you a few things to try at home to see if that helps her. First, you can try starting her 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 she's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing her into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a shower. The steam and humidity help break up congestion and temporary relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my pet have a crusty nose and sneeze often? Is it serious?
Does your pet have a crusty nose and sneeze often? A certified vet explains potential causes like respiratory issues or rhinitis, stressing the need for a vet visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored