Rhinotrach in cats?

Question

I have 3 cats. 1 adopted us and we adopted 2 others from the APL. Both cats have rhinotrach, and have given it to the 1st one too. I love all 3, and hate to get rid of them, but the sneezing is getting out of hand. The walls, windows, floors, everywhere! They are just non-stop. I cant locate any info on the disease and was hoping there might be a cure or at least something to give them that would eliminate (or at least reduce) the sneezing. Theyve seen the vet and he has given them liquid penicillin (didnt do a thing) then pills (again, no help). He says the best thing is to seperate them and they get rid of the symptoms ie: the sneezing. We cant keep them in seperate rooms, so they may have to find new homes. Any suggestions or ideas?

Cats have been immunized, and still have contracted this. I HATE to consider giving them up, but I feel bad that they keep passing it back and forth. Ive dealt with it, vet bills, and cleaning snot off everything for over a year now. Maybe I need a vet that might know what hes doing?

Answer 1

http://www.2ndchance.info/rhinotracheitis.htm

http://www.bobmckee.com/Client%20Info/Infectious/Rhinotracheitis%20in%20cats.html

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1348&articleid=210

Answer 2

Probably the upper respiratory infection is instigated by any one of thousands of common feline viruses (the most common are vaccinated for with the feline combination vaccines).

Antibiotics will only help the secondary bacterial infection of the bronchi and lungs, their immune systems must fight the virus. Talk to your vet about switching antibiotics, and supportive therapy to help them battle the virus. What your cats are experiencing is like a very bad cold in humans, it can take weeks or even months to fully recover. There are vitamin supplements for cats, and keeping them indoors, and in an easily cleanable area is your best bet. Perhaps a spare bathroom that you can bleach daily to help eradicate environmental sources for reinfection.

There is also the greater issue of how easy it is for you to consider relinquishing the cats because they are ill. What will happen if something more serious besets them? It's not really fair to them to be willing to support them only when they are healthy, their upper respiratory infections probably could have been prevented with proper vaccination and hygiene practices on your part.