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My cat's runny eyes & congestion won't clear. Antibiotics failed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 10 months and 19 days old | 1lb

My cat always has runny, weepy eyes and really bad nasal congestion. He sneezes huge brown boogers at least once a day. We've tried antibiotics a couple of times but he never gets better. What should I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 20th, 2018

Poor Link! In cats, respiratory infections are typically caused by a virus, so antibiotics won't work. I have a few things you can try at home. 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. 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. I would also recommend taking him into the vet tomorrow. An antibiotic ointment could help with his weepy eyes, but those can only be prescribed by a vet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 8th, 2017
How lovely of you to take in this poor kitty and look after him! It is possible based on his symptoms that he does have an upper respiratory infection, and I would have him seen by a vet for this. Medications may be helpful for his symptoms, and the vet can prescribe them for him. There are a few things you can do at home for him. 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. 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.

It breaks my heart to think of this poor blind kitty all alone outside in the world, but it's so amazing of you to look after him. It's extremely kind of you.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on January 23rd, 2018
Poor Paladin! Unfortunately, it looks like he needs to be on antibiotics for a longer course, possibly 2-3 weeks. You can try benadryl twice a day and L-lysine to help boost his immune system. See link below. If you aren't seeing any improvement soon, I would try to find a way to get him to the vet. I just really worry that without antibiotics that the upper respiratory infection may become pneumonia which will be much harder and much more expensive to treat. If you are able to take him to the vet, I would just be sure to tell them that cost is a concern and that you would like an estimate for any treatment before it is done. If it is too expensive, ask if there are any other options that may not be the BEST option but could still potentially help him. The vet should be able to help come up with a treatment that best fits your needs. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon.

https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/cat/benadryl/#!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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