One of the reasons why vaccines are developed is to provide an almost 100% guaranteed protection against harmful diseases. These illnesses are often difficult to treat, which is why prevention works best. One of these diseases is feline calicivirus.
Calicivirus in cats is a highly contagious condition that damages a cat’s respiratory system while also causing pain in the oral area. It’s a major player in causing upper respiratory infections in cats, which are notorious for being difficult to deal with.
Plus, the symptoms bring a great deal of trouble. FCV is particularly concerning because it can mutate. This means that certain strains can cause severe symptoms and life-threatening conditions.
In short, calicivirus in cats is a deadly disease that should be prevented at all costs. With that, we’re here to tell you all you need to know about it.
How Is Calicivirus Transmitted in Cats?
Feline calicivirus is a highly infectious virus, capable of spreading rapidly through many ways. These are the ways the virus spreads in cats:
Direct Cat-to-Cat Contact
The most common way feline calicivirus spreads is through direct interactions between cats. Grooming, playing, or fighting are just some of the many ways the virus spreads. Some cats can appear healthy, but unknowingly carry the virus.
This mode of transmission is fairly common in unhygienic boarding facilities, multi-cat households, and shelters. Cats can also get infected through airborne particles, which come when they sneeze.
These aerosolized particles may land on surfaces, objects, or other cats, spreading the infection. It's especially problematic in areas where the spaces are too tight and small.
Contaminated Surfaces or Objects
FCV is notorious for being able to withstand various environmental conditions. The virus can stay on surfaces and objects for several days to a few weeks. Plus, it's not easily eliminated by regular disinfectants.
As a result, your cat's toys, litter boxes, water bowls, and bedding will be prime spots for a calicivirus infection. When infected cats use these objects, another cat can get infected by making contact with them.
Human Transmission
While humans cannot contract FCV, they can inadvertently spread it. Pet owners and visitors can spread the virus by touching an infected cat and handling a healthy one. This often happens without proper handwashing.
Calicivirus in Cats Symptoms
The main signs you can observe will mostly dwell on the respiratory and oral sections. However, there will be other general symptoms because of the infection. These include:
Respiratory Symptoms
Calicivirus is well-known for its respiratory distress, often manifesting as sneezing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and even coughing.
One of the earliest and most common symptoms of feline calicivirus is sneezing. If your cat sneezes too much, this might mean nasal irritation and inflammation.
Nasal discharge is also a symptom of a calicivirus infection. The discharge may start clear but can turn thick, yellow, or green as secondary bacterial infections develop. Cats may show difficulty breathing due to clogged nasal passages or nasal congestion.
The swelling and mucus buildup can make breathing noisy and difficult. Cats may have to breathe through their mouths because of this obstruction.
Oral Symptoms
Ulcers in the mouth are a hallmark sign of feline calicivirus. These appear on the tongue, gums, or roof of the mouth. Because of their locations, they can cause discomfort for cats whenever they eat. The ulcers themselves can also bring a foul odor because of accumulating bacteria.
You might notice this when your cat takes a bite and slowly eats it, but stops for just a few bites. Alongside this, cats may also lose appetite because of congestion and general malaise.
Additionally, cats may drool excessively because of oral discomfort or an inability to swallow properly. Drooling is common when oral ulcers and pain are involved.
Ocular Symptoms
Calicivirus in cats often causes watery or sticky discharge from the eyes, which may crust around the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is also a possible symptom. Redness, swelling, and irritation of the tissues surrounding the eyes can make cats squint or rub their faces against objects for relief.
Other Symptoms
Most infected cats develop a fever because of the immune system's efforts to defend the body. Alongside this, cats will be visibly lethargic and tired all the time, preferring to rest rather than play with their owners. They might also hide, prefer to be alone, or lose their appetite.
Some strains of feline calicivirus can also cause inflammation in the joints, resulting in limping or difficulty moving. This symptom is more commonly seen in young cats and typically resolves on its own within a few days.
What Are the Possible Complications of Feline Calicivirus?
In some cases, complications can arise from the initial infection. This includes pneumonia, secondary bacterial infections, chronic gingivostomatitis, and virulent systemic disease.
How Is Calicivirus Diagnosed in Cats?
Just like for any disease, diagnosing calicivirus in cats will involve a series of tests and exams. Here are the common tests we do:
Virus Isolation
Virus isolation is the most effective way to confirm calicivirus in cats, although it is less commonly used in clinical settings because it is incredibly expensive. It works by collecting a sample from the cat’s nasal passages, throat, or eyes.
This sample will be grown in a controlled environment, which then allows us to detect the presence of the virus, its strain, and characteristics. The downside of this is that this method takes a lot of time before it can yield results.
This process provides definitive proof of the virus’s presence and can give insights into the strain and virulence. However, it takes longer to yield results and requires a specialized laboratory to do so.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing
A PCR test is a sensitive test that can detect feline calicivirus. First, a sample from the cat’s passages, throat, or oral cavity is collected and sent to our in-house laboratory for testing.
The test amplifies the genetic material of the virus from the sample. By doing so, our vets can identify the virus easily and confirm the infection. PCR testing is highly accurate, capable of detecting the virus even in asymptomatic carriers.
Other Tests
Other tests we use include blood tests and imaging techniques. Blood tests can examine overall health, while X-rays are primarily used to check lung function and respiratory condition.
How Is Feline Calicivirus Treated?
Unfortunately, there is no definite cure for feline calicivirus. This means that the treatment process will focus on symptom management and supportive care.
Medications
Even though there isn’t a specific medication for calcivirus in cats, other pet medications can help address complications and improve comfort:
Antibiotics. Antibiotics will be used to treat and manage any secondary infections that come as a result of the calicivirus infection. Different forms of medications will be used depending on which area is affected.
Pain Relievers. Cats with mouth ulcers may need pain meds to help them eat normally again.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Anti-inflammatories are great for reducing swelling and discomfort, especially in cats with joint pain.
Supportive Care
Supportive care treatments focus on supporting your cat’s recovery. Treatment steps will include:
Hydration Support. Keeping cats hydrated is important, especially if nasal congestion or oral ulcers have reduced their water intake. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be necessary.
Nutritional Support. Cats with oral ulcers may refuse to eat. We can help by offering soft and palatable foods to encourage them to eat. Warming the food can also make it more enticing.
The Importance of Vaccinating Against Feline Calicivirus
Vaccines are the most important part of your cat’s health when it comes to feline calicivirus. Regular vaccinations are important for protecting and preventing. Vaccination helps prepare your cat’s immune system to recognize and fight off the virus.
While vaccinated cats can still become infected with FCV, they are much less likely to experience severe symptoms. Vaccinated cats have a stronger defense against the virus. This minimizes the virus's effects.
Preventing a disease is always more cost-effective than treating it. This is why vaccinations are recommended to avoid the high cost of veterinary care, hospitalization, and medications. Vaccines are a small and predictable cost compared to the potential expenses of FCV management.
Plus, vaccination can prevent the spread of the virus. This is especially helpful if your cat frequents daycares and grooming salons since these areas house a lot of cats.
“Keep your cat safe from dangerous infections, and they’ll thank you with love.”
- Dr. Lidija Krvavac
Final Thoughts
While feline calicivirus is a dangerous disease, there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of this disease affecting your cats. With regular vaccination against calicivirus, your cat will be able to stay protected and healthy.
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