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My cat is sneezing, and antibiotics aren't working. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Cat sneezing no other symptoms antibiotic not helping what could it be

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura E. McRae

Veterinary Technician

Published on December 9th, 2014

Many upper respiratory infections in cats are caused by viruses which do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections. However, sneezing can be a symptom with many underlying causes, such as allergies, viral or bacterial infections, tumors or polyps in the nasal passage, or even dust or other irritants if the cat is exploring where these types of irritants are common (attics, basements, around areas of construction, etc.) If your cat is still sneezing after treatment with antibiotics, a follow up visit to your veterinarian is worthwhile to determine if antibiotics need to be continued or other treatments given.

13Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
It could be viral in nature or it could be allergy related. The antibiotics will prevent a secondary infection. Discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. Continue administering the antibiotics as directed until they are completed.
12Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 4th, 2018
Loratidine has pretty much no effect on cats and amoxicilline is not the antibiotic of choice to treat upper respiratory infections. i would recommend asking your vet to switch the treatment to one of the following antibiotics: Veraflox, Doxycicline or Zhitromax.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 26th, 2019
This is probably an upper respiratory infection. it's very common in young cats and is very contagious to other cats as well.
It is treated with oral antibiotics for about 2 weeks. if left untreated many cats will end up blind or even die from the disease.
I advise going to your vet asap to start the treatment right away.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on October 24th, 2019
This is probably an upper respiratory infection. it's very common in young cats and is very contagious to other cats as well.
It is treated with oral antibiotics for about 2 weeks. I advise going to your vet asap to start the treatment right away.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My cat is sneezing and not eating. Does she need antibiotics for a cold?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Trixie. You would need to see a vet to get antibiotics, but they likely won't work as most respiratory infections in cats are caused by viruses. There are a few things you can try at home for 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 hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. I hope this helps!

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My kitten is sneezing again after antibiotics. Should I see the vet?

Hello! It sounds like Tessa may have an underlying herpes virus infection, this allows upper respiratory infections to attack more easily. Herpes is common in cats and not a huge issue, other than occasional infections like you describe. I would ask you vet about some cat lysine to boost her immune system and do another course of antibiotics...but I would have her seen just in case she needs as stronger antibiotic. I hope that helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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My cat has nosebleeds and sneezes. Can antibiotics still help?

Hi there! Chronic sneezing and bleeding from the nose in a 15 year old cat could be caused by a number of different things, including chronic rhinitis, a severe bacterial respiratory infection, a fungal infection such as cryptococcus, or a nasal tumor. None of these will typically cause any changes on lab work, so usually CT scan/MRI and rhinoscopy are required to get a diagnosis. If this is something you're interested in, then I would ask your veterinarian for a referral to a specialist to have this testing done. Without additional testing, it's likely that you won't be able to find out what the specific problem is, so we're left with treating it symptomatically. Long-term antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin can sometimes be helpful, as there is often a secondary bacterial infection contributing to the pet's symptoms even if this isn't the main problem. Oral or injectable steroids, Cerenia, humidifiers, and even antibiotic/steroid nose drops could all be considered as possible treatment options that may help to relieve symptoms. Your veterinarian should be able to discuss the pros and cons of these various options with you to help determine the best treatment plan for Bailey.

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My kitten still has sneezing, runny eyes after antibiotics. What now?

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Why are my cats sneezing with wet snot? Is it allergies or infection?

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My cat has chronic feline herpes. Why aren't antibiotics working?

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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