My FIV cat has URI symptoms. Should I see a vet immediately?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Silvester. Since he has FIV, the recovery period may take a little longer for this URI. If this was a suspected or confirmed herpes virus infection URI, I would advise using famciclovir if it doesn't start resolving. Famvir is an antiviral and helps to disrupt viral replication, thus directly treating the viral infection if that is the cause. Another thing I would try is humidified air treatments. Turn on a hot shower in a bathroom and let the room fill with the steam. Place Silvester in there for 10-15 minute treatments. This will help to hydrate his respiratory system. Sounds like everything else you are doing is exactly what I would recommend. I definitely prefer Doxy especially in these stubborn URI cases. You may also consult your vet about using some type of saline nasal drops also. Good luck with Silvester. I hope he gets over this soon. Another thing I always try to address is the intestinal parasite issue because intestinal parasites will affect the nutritional status of the pet, which will ultimately affect their overall health and their ability to fight off disease.

Cats shouldn't catch any human viruses, it's probably just coincidence that everybody starting getting ill at the same time - or it could be related to allergens in the air. Cats with FIV have a harder time in general with any infection - if your positive cat is having a rough time, he may need to be hospitalized for oxygen, fluids, medications, or antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections.

Please consult this website for more information regarding FIV- https://www.catvets.com/guidelines/practice-guidelines/retrovirus-management-guidelines https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-upper-respiratory-infection

That’s great news that Chase has done so well. The sneezing however can indicate that he could be getting an infection or that it’s something else like allergies or a sinus problem. I recommend to have him examined just to play it safe since FIV positive cats may not have as strong of an immune response (this is highly variable). I hope he starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I'm sorry to hear that Memphis is having this problem. It is certainly possible that he has an upper respiratory infection even if he has been vaccinated with Felocell-4. I am attaching more information on upper respiratory infections below. https://www.vin.com/veterinarypartner/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951489 Since most upper respiratory infections are viral, the only treatment option we have are products to stimulate the immune system (like your vet gave you). However, if Memphis stops eating or his congestion gets worse, I would certainly contact your veterinarian. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Poor Sabina! If she has nasal discharge or coughing, you may inquire with your vet about doing a culture and sensitive on the nasal discharge or doing a trans-tracheal wash to see if she has a resistant bacteria. Also if she doesn't have a high white blood count then you may consider steroids if she doesn't have congestion. I would talk to your vet in depth about steroids as these can make an infection worse if it isn't an auto-immune problem. I would also get her on a lysine supplement like Viralys or vetriscience lysine chews for cats. You can also request vitamins B12 injections and an appetite stimulant to help with her appetite. If she has been a long time without eating, make sure she has had her chemistry ( liver and kidney) values check to ensure she isn't have liver or kidney issues. You could have her retested for FELV/FIV. If she was recently infected before adoption then it may not show up on a test yet. The vaccines usually take effect within 5-7 days of receiving them so she should be protected. I hope this helps and she starts to get better really soon!

It may take 7-10 days for the condition to resolve. As long as he is still eating, breathing normal, and has normal energy then continue the medications as directed and monitor his condition. If he has a viral infection then it will need to just run it's course as the antibiotics will only treat a bacterial infection. If he stops eating, becomes lethargic, or has any breathing issues then he should be rechecked by a vet.