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

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!

No, this isn't common and Zylee sounds sick. Give her vet a call to let them know you are seeing this. There are also some things you can try at home. 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. Best of luck.

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.

I'm sorry to hear Zane is having a rough time! Many times healthy pets will be able to clear common colds/viruses just like us. Sometimes bacterial infections can become a secondary issue and make Zane more sick. Each antibiotic has a different area that it targets, so the one he is on now may not help with anything affecting the respiratory tract. Additionally an antibiotic is not going to affect a virus. Many times I will recommend a supplement called Lysine for cats who I suspect of viral infections. Allergies would be another condition that would cause similar signs. I would recommend to call the original veterinarian and update them on Zane. They may recommend a supplement for him or they may ask to see him again. Best of luck!

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!

It could be a respiratory infection. Unfortunately in cats, respiratory infections are typically called by a virus, which means antibiotics won't work. There are few things you can try at home for Esther. 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.

Respiratory infections in cats are commonly viral, which means that they have to run their course. Antibiotics can help prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections, but they do not do anything to help with the virus. Supportive care is needed during these times to help Chesney feel better. Consider taking her into a steamy bathroom a few times a day for humidification. Suction her nostrils with a baby bulb syringe if they are really stuffed up. If she isn't eating well consider warming up her food so that she can smell it a little bit easier. Sometimes cats need subcutaneous fluids or IV fluids from the veterinarian to stay well hydrated the first several days of an upper respiratory infection. You may want to consider taking her temperature. Normal for a cat is 100-102. If she is 103 or higher I would encourage you to call your veterinarian to discuss medictions to help with the fever. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.