Feline Calicivirus

This is a very common upper respiratory virus that is quite contagious. It affects the respiratory system, the eyes, the mouth, and occasionally the joints.

An airborne virus is the causative agent. Cats contract this virus from being outside and mingling with other cats. It is also possible for cats to pick up the virus after another cat has shed the virus in their lawn-e.g. there does not have to be cat-to-cat exposure. This also spread rapidly in multi-cat facilities.

Most cats have sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, conjunctivitis, and fever. In some cases, pets will have ulcers on the tongue, palate, or tip of nose. These patients generally do not eat well either from the fever, pain from the ulcers, or the inability to smell food. In rare cases, cats can exhibit arthritis symptoms (stiffness, limping) or hemorrhage internally.

Vaccination to this virus is included in the FVRCP vaccine cats receive. This is the absolute best way to prevent clinical signs of this disease. If the patient is exhibiting signs, systemic antibiotics and antibiotic eye ointments are prescribed. Some cats benefit from pain medication to alleviate ulcer and arthritic pain.