Feline Calicivirus: Causes, Symptoms & Care in Cats

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a contagious viral infection that causes respiratory and oral symptoms in cats. Multiple strains exist, and the virus can mutate, so recovered cats or vaccinated ones may still contract a milder form, but full immunity is rare.

The virus spreads easily among cats sharing a household or communal environments like catteries. Understanding transmission and prevention can help safeguard your feline companions.

How do cats catch calicivirus?

FCV enters cats through the eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with infectious secretions. It spreads via:

Direct contact with saliva, nasal or eye discharge from infected cats
Airborne droplets when an infected cat sneezes or coughs
Contaminated objects such as food bowls, bedding, or litter trays
Indirect contact via humans transferring the virus on hands or clothes

The virus can survive outside a cat's body for up to a week, sometimes longer in humid or protected environments, meaning there is a risk of environmental contamination.

Recognising symptoms of feline calicivirus

Symptoms vary depending on the strain and individual cat's immune response. They typically include:

Sneezing, coughing, and other flu-like signs
Mild conjunctivitis causing red or watery eyes
Fever and lethargy
Ulcers around the mouth, tongue or nose
Nasal discharge and runny eyes
Reduced appetite leading to weight loss
Difficulty breathing in more severe cases
Lameness or swollen joints occasionally reported

How is feline calicivirus diagnosed?

Your vet usually diagnoses FCV by examining symptoms and medical history. In multi-cat settings like catteries, laboratory testing via throat or oral swabs might be needed to confirm infection and take precautionary measures.

However, some cats can carry the virus without symptoms, potentially producing false positive or negative results due to low virus levels.

Treatment options and caring for your cat

There is no specific antiviral therapy for FCV. Treatment aims to manage symptoms and support your cat’s recovery:

Keeping your cat comfortable and hydrated
Using decongestants to ease breathing difficulties
Administering antibiotics if a secondary bacterial infection develops
Intravenous fluids for dehydration where necessary

Close monitoring and veterinary care are vital, especially for kittens, elderly cats, or those with weakened immunity.

Carrier cats and ongoing virus shedding

After infection, cats shed the virus through nasal, oral, and eye secretions for several weeks. While most clear the virus within a month, some become lifelong carriers, intermittently shedding the virus and posing a risk to other cats.

The amount of virus shed decreases with time, reducing infection risk but not eliminating it completely.

Preventing feline calicivirus infection

Prevention is key to protecting your cat and others:

Limit your cat's contact with unknown or unvaccinated cats and avoid catteries where possible
Feed and provide water indoors to avoid contamination of bowls
Wash hands thoroughly after handling other cats or their items
If a cat in your home contracts FCV, isolate them promptly to curb spread
Before introducing a new cat, ask your vet about screening tests for infectious diseases including FCV

Vaccination remains an important protective measure recommended by vets to reduce the severity of symptoms and spread. Always use vaccines from reputable breeders or sources and follow your vet’s advice on schedules.