29/01/2025
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious virus that affects cats, causing respiratory infections and oral disease. It is one of the major causes of feline upper respiratory infections (URIs) and can lead to severe illness in some cases.
Symptoms of Feline Calicivirus:
Sneezing
Nasal and eye discharge
Mouth ulcers (which can cause drooling and difficulty eating)
Fever
Lethargy
Joint pain or limping (in some cases)
Pneumonia (in severe cases)
Transmission:
FCV spreads easily through direct contact with infected cats, contaminated objects (like food bowls and bedding), and airborne droplets from sneezing. It is especially common in shelters, multi-cat households, and catteries.
Prevention:
Vaccination: The FCV vaccine is part of the standard feline vaccination schedule and helps reduce the severity of the disease.
Good hygiene: Regularly clean food bowls, litter boxes, and bedding to prevent spread.
Quarantine: Infected cats should be isolated to avoid spreading the virus.
Some strains of FCV can cause more severe systemic disease, leading to organ failure and high mortality rates.
