Feline Calicivirus is a widespread, highly contagious virus that is spread through secretions from the eyes and nose. The most common symptoms are oral ulcers, stomatitis (mouth inflammation), gingivitis, fever, and upper respiratory signs: sneezing, congestion, eye and nasal discharge, eye irritation and inflammation, etc. In more severe and systemic cases, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, edema (swelling from fluid accumulation), skin lesions, and pneumonia. Kitties that aren’t experiencing GI symptoms still tend to eat less or nothing at all because of upper airway congestion and inflammation.
Feline Calicivirus cannot be treated, caring for infected animals involves supportive therapy. This may include IV fluids, medication to decrease mucus, and antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections. Warm, soft, tasty foods should be offered to encourage eating. In more severe cases, these kitties may need to be force fed or have a feeding tube placed.
Unfortunately, a “recovered” cat can continue to infect other animals, as well as experience chronic (often lifelong) symptoms. These may include sneezing, eye drainage, and severe gum disease. The kitties with ongoing stomatitis and gingivitis typically require regular treatment with anti-inflammatories, pain medications, and antibiotics. Managing their discomfort often involves tooth extractions as well.
Now for the good news! A vaccine is available to protect against this virus. Kittens can start being vaccinated at 6 weeks of age. They should receive a booster every 2-4 weeks for a total of three vaccines. Adult cats receiving the vaccine for the first time should receive one booster 2-4 weeks later. This vaccine may be given every 1-3 years after the initial boosters, depending on your pet’s environment and your veterinarian’s recommendations.
If you have a cat showing these symptoms or your vet suspects he/she has this virus, your pet should be isolated from any other cats in the household. Areas where this kitty resides or has been should be cleaned with a 1:32 solution of bleach or another disinfectant recommended by your veterinarian. Wash any bedding with hot water, detergent, and bleach if you do not want to discard it. Clothing should be changed after handling possibly infected animals prior to touching other kitties in the household. These should be washed in hot water with detergent and bleach as well. Spray the bottom of shoes with a disinfectant prior to exiting the sick kitty’s area. Wash hands thoroughly and in warm water.
It’s best to isolate ANY new kitty from other cats when you first bring him/her home. It takes a number of days for symptoms to develop when a pet has been exposed to an illness, so give it 1 to 2 weeks before allowing them to interact. This will give you time to bring your new kitty into the vet to make sure he/she appears healthy, and to be tested for other things that may be of a concern to current pet residents, such as intestinal parasites and other viruses (i.e. Feline leukemia and FIV). It also allows them to be accustomed to each other’s scent/presence before a face to face meeting- cats do best with slow introductions!
I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new! Please review this article for more information on this topic. If you have questions about your pet, please visit our contact page for the best method to reach us at.
