Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is a common and highly contagious viral infection that affects cats of all ages. It’s usually spread through direct contact with an infected cat’s saliva, urine or feces, or from contact with contaminated objects such as food bowls and bedding. The disease can also be spread through sneezing or coughing. Symptoms of infection include fever, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, eye and nose discharge, and respiratory problems.
In most cases, FCV is mild and goes away on its own without requiring any medical treatment. In some instances the virus can cause severe or even fatal disease that requires intensive medical care. Vaccination against FCV is available and recommended for all cats to protect them from this serious disease.
When signs of the disease are present, it’s important to get veterinary care immediately. Treatment can include antibiotics and supportive care depending on the severity of the case. Vaccination can help protect cats from FCV but does not guarantee immunity. It’s important to practice good hygiene and keep infected cats away from healthy cats to prevent further spread of the virus.
Symptoms of Feline Calicivirus
The signs and symptoms of Feline Calicivirus (FCV) can vary depending on the severity of the infection. The most common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Appetite loss
- Mouth ulcers
- Eye and nose discharge
- Respiratory problems such as coughing or wheezing
- Difficulty breathing / Lethargy or depression
- Vomiting or diarrhea
If you notice these symptoms in your cat, it’s important to get veterinary care immediately. Diagnosis of FCV can be made through a physical exam and laboratory tests. Treatment can include antibiotics and supportive care depending on the severity of the case.
Diagnosing Feline Calicivirus
If your cat is showing signs and symptoms of Feline Calicivirus (FCV), a veterinarian will perform a physical exam and might recommend laboratory tests to help make an accurate diagnosis. Tests can include blood tests, fecal exams, and viral cultures.
Stage of Feline Calicivirus
Feline Calicivirus (FCV) has three stages:
Stage 1
The first stage is referred to as the incubation period and lasts approximately 4-7 days. During this time,the virus will replicate in the cat’s body but there will be no signs or symptoms of infection.
Stage 2
The second stage is called the acute phase and this is when clinical signs of the disease become noticeable. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, eye and nose discharge, and respiratory problems. This stage can last for several weeks or even months.
Stage 3
The final stage is called the convalescent period and during this time a cat’s symptoms should gradually start to improve. While FC V is generally not fatal, it’s important to get veterinary care if your cat starts to show signs of infection. Vaccination can help protect cats from this serious disease.
Treating Feline Calicivirus
Treating Feline Calicivirus depends on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, supportive care and antibiotics could be prescribed. In more severe cases, hospitalization could be necessary to give them intensive care. Vaccination is available and recommended for all cats to protect them from this serious disease.
Preventing Feline Calicivirus
The best way to prevent Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is to practice good hygiene and keep infected cats away from healthy cats. Vaccination is also available and recommended for all cats to protect them from this serious disease. It’s important to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian and keep up-to-date on booster vaccinations. It’s important to regularly clean and disinfect any areas where cats congregate, such as litter boxes or food dishes, to reduce the risk of spreading FCV.