My cat has chronic feline herpes. Why aren't antibiotics working?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 2 years and 7 months old | 15 lbs
Hello, Gattino has feline herpes and has had it since he was a kitten. My vet and I have tried multiple antibiotics with him to ease the symptoms and for the last 5 times, we have used azithromycin for him. It worked well the first few times, minimizing symptoms but they were still present, but now this antibiotic barely touches the illness. Will this ever get better for him? His nose gets so clogged with boogers and sneezes so much and has runny eyes. Has to take antibiotics once a month
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 3rd, 2020
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would recommend making sure he does not have an underlying disease that may be predisposing him to these infections. Test him for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) at your veterinarian's clinic to rule these possible causes out. Some cats will have chronic viral infections their entire life and we just treat these as they come. If you are not giving lysine supplementation and not giving Purine Fortiflora, I would definitely recommend doing so as both of these have been shown to lessen the severity and duration of the herpes virus flare ups. I would also consider an upper respiratory culture to make sure that there are no other bacterial causes that may be resistant to the antibiotics currently being given. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 2nd, 2019
Has he been tested for FeLV and FIV? I would start there. That could be why he is immune system is not responding. The other option is herpes virus in which case, antibiotics do not work to kill the virus - antibiotics are prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections. He would need antivirals (which has varying degrees of helpfulness). I suggest you speak to your vet about the possibility of herpes infection and get him tested for leukemia and FIV. ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-herpesvirus-infection-or-feline-viral-rhinotracheitis )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 7th, 2017
There are a number of anti-viral drugs which can be effective against feline herpes virus but can only be prescribed directly from your vet after diagnosis and consultation. You should seek an appointment or referral to a feline specialist for further investigation and treatment
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 3rd, 2018
There is no harm in treating her as though she may have FHV but if you want a diagnosis you need to get her to a vet for an exam and testing. Many diseases mimic each other as far as clinical signs so the reason she is having "flare ups" may be because she doesn't have FHV and it is something else instead. Just a thought. There is not much you can do for prevention other than regular vaccination and reducing stress. Lysine has questionable benefits but it won't hurt so I always suggest it's use. If she has flare-ups despite these practices then she may have an issue with her immune system or she may a different issue entirely. If she has not been tested for feline leukemia (FeLv) and feline immunodeficiency viurs (FIV) I would suggest you have her tested. Both of those diseases will compromise the immune system. That may explain the flare-ups. Yes, there are benefits in giving the vaccine regularly. I would suggest finding a vet that has the intranasal version of the vaccine. Any feline only practice should have that vaccine. The intranasal vaccination stimulates local immunity inside the nasal passages against reactivation of the virus which reduces the likelihood of recurrent infection and of viral shedding. Hope this answers your questions. If not, feel free to post again. Best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 8th, 2018
Feline herpes virus can be very debilitating and require intensive nursing and supportive care until pain is reduced and appetite improves., In most cases the cat will become a lifelong carrier, having relapses especially during periods of stress or change. A number of human medications such as famciclovir can be used but can be very difficult to get in appropriate sizes for small kittens. A high lysine food may help and in the long term, regular vaccination can help to reduce the impact of the disease
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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