Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common viral disease among cats. Symptoms of FCV in cats include pneumonia, sores in the mouth and arthritis and joint pain. FCV is part of the feline upper respiratory infection complex, a group of viruses and bacteria (including feline herpes virus and chlamydiosis) that cause discharge from the eyes and nose and flu-like symptoms in cats. FCV and feline herpes virus account for almost 90% of upper respiratory infections in cats.

Calicivirus affects the upper respiratory system, and so symptoms of the disease may appear to be nothing more than a common cold. Symptoms of FCV include fever, loss of appetite, pneumonia, ulcers on the tongue, palate, lips or tip of the nose, ulcers around the claws and eye and nose discharges. Detecting FCV is difficult—the infection often develops suddenly, and some cats may exhibit only one of the symptoms. Clinical symptoms and the cat’s medical history are the basis for diagnosis; laboratory tests such as throat cultures, x-rays (to detect pneumonia), serum testing and assays of lung tissue are also used to confirm the diagnosis.

FCV is transmitted through saliva, eye and nose discharges and sometimes the feces of an infected cat. Transmission can occur through direct cat-to-cat contact, and the disease can also be spread through food dishes, bedding, hands and other areas contaminated by the discharge. Cats infected with FCV may remain contagious long after they stop exhibiting symptoms, making it difficult to control. FCV is also highly resistant to household cleaners and disinfectants, though a 1:32 dilution of bleach is helpful in killing the virus. The virus can survive outside the cat’s body for anywhere from 8 to 10 days and can survive longer in a cool, wet environment. FCV is commonly found in animal shelters and multi-cat households. Poorly ventilated areas, crowded spaces and physically or psychologically stressful situations can all foster outbreaks. Because of their immature immune systems, kittens are also highly susceptible to FCV.

Though FCV is a virus, antibiotics are commonly used to treat the symptoms of the infection. This is because secondary bacterial infections often occur in the wake of FCV. Antibiotics in the tetracycline family are most often used to combat upper respiratory infections in cats because Chlamydia psittaci, the third most common cause of respiratory illness, is especially sensitive to tetracycline. To treat the oral ulceration and eye and nasal discharges that accompany FCV, oral medications and eye ointments also are often prescribed. Treatment for cats with upper respiratory infections include keeping the eyes and nose free of discharge; ensuring food and water intake; administering antibiotics; treating oral ulcers and keeping the cat quiet and warm.

Vaccines can provide additional protection against FCV. Pet owners can choose between a four-in-one vaccine (which vaccinates against distemper, herpesvirus, calicivirus and Chlamydia psittici) or a three-in-one vaccine (which vaccinates against distemper, herpesvirus and calicivirus). These vaccines can be administered either nasally or by injection.

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