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

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• 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!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• 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.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• 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.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful