Feline Calicivirus

Feline calicivirus infection is a common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. More than 40 strains of the virus may cause calicivirus in cats and determine the severity of the disease. The severity of disease also depends on cat age and her general health condition. Namely, the more susceptible group of cats to feline calicivirus are kittens that are six months of age. Another group is senior cats as well as cats with a suppressed immune system. On the other hand, the probability of the disease is greater in multi-cat households. For that reason, experts recommend taking a good hygiene practice whenever there are two or more cats living together. That means washing thoroughly and regularly their feeding bowls, keeping litter boxes clean, and vacuuming frequently cat beds and blankets. If one of the cats becomes infected with feline calicivirus, veterinarians suggest removing her from other for three weeks, when the cat may spread the virus. However, some cats may become carriers for the rest of their lives, even though they have never got infected. To learn more about the symptoms of feline calicivirus, the article “Feline Calicivirus Infection in Cats” gives us the following list.

– Loss of appetite (anorexia)
– Eye discharge
– Nasal discharge
– Development of ulcers on tongue, hard palate, tip of nose, lips or around claws
– Pneumonia
– Difficult breathing after development of pneumonia
– Arthritis (inflammation of joints)
– Lameness
– Painful walk
– Fever
– Bleeding from various sites

Usually, healthy cats infected with feline calicivirus recover for two or three weeks. However, cats with a suppressed immune system, older cats, and kittens may develop pneumonia. In that case, a cat should remain in a hospital to get a proper care. It is not rare that little kittens may show only limping. They may experience difficulty walking and have painful joints. All of these suggest that arthritis appears as a consequence of feline calicivirus. Fortunately, with proper treatment, joint pain and arthritis pass naturally. Because of the possible complications, especially in kittens, veterinarians recommend vaccination. Even though vaccination will not prevent feline calicivirus completely, it will minimize its risks and consequences.