Why is my cat lethargic and sneezing after antibiotics and shots?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 years and 10 months old
My cat (M 6y/o) recently went to the vet and was diagnosed with an ear infection, along with getting his yearly shots. He was given an antibiotic to treat the infection but now (a few days later) he's acting very lethargic and is having sneezing fits. Today, he only got up a couple of times to eat then he want to lay down in the same spot he's been in all day. We called his vet and she said to take him off of his medication and see how he's doing tomorrow, but I'm very worried.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 6th, 2018
I think your vet's response was the correct one. All antibiotics carry a risk of intestinal upset and vaccines can certainly make pets feel "off". If he's not feeling better tomorrow, he needs to go back in to the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 15th, 2018
I would certainly check with your vet, but I normally recommend 2 weeks of antibitoics for that kind of trauma. If the sneezing and heaving breathing is continuing while on the antibiotics, gets worse or returns when you have finished the antibiotics, then I would recommend that your vet examines him again. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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