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Feline calicivirus

Feline calicivirus is a very common virus among cats, particularly where they live in groups. It is one of the major agents of the feline respiratory complex, what is commonly called cat coryza: the Cat coryza sheet presents this overview,...

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Definition Signs Causes Transmission Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Vaccination Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Feline calicivirus is a very common virus among cats, particularly where they live in groups.

It is one of the major agents of the feline respiratory complex, what is commonly called cat coryza: the Cat coryza sheet presents this overview, which focuses on the calicivirus itself.

Its clinical signature is oral: ulcers on the tongue, gums or palate make swallowing painful and suppress the appetite.

Key point

A cat that breathes with its mouth open, head down and elbows outstretched, is in respiratory distress: it is a life-threatening emergency, it must be consulted immediately without trying to manipulate it.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Sneezing Runny nose Discharge from the eyes Fever Loss of appetite Excessive salivation Reduction Lameness

Repeated sneezing, runny nose and eyes, often clear at first.

Ulcers in the mouth: the cat drools, chews in vain, approaches its bowl then gives up.

Fever and despondency at the start of the episode.

Refusal to eat, all the more marked as the blocked nose suppresses the sense of smell.

In some cats, especially young ones, a temporary lameness that changes paws from one day to the next.

Chronic inflammation of the gums and back of the throat can develop in long-term carrier cats.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

The infection is caused by feline calicivirus, a virus resistant to the external environment, which multiplies in the mucous membranes of the mouth and upper respiratory tract.

The disease occurs when the virus encounters an unprotected cat, or one that is incompletely protected against a strain different from that of the vaccine.

Bacteria then take advantage of the lesions to settle in, which thickens and colors the discharge.

Community life: shelters, boarding houses, catteries, free cat colonies, multi-cat homes.

Young age: kittens gradually lose the protection transmitted by their mother.

Absence or delay in vaccination.

Stress, promiscuity, poor ventilation, insufficient hygiene.

Diseases that weaken the defenses, such as FIV or feline leukosis.

Transmission

Direct contact between cats is the main route: sneezing, mutual licking, shared bowls and litter boxes.

The virus survives for several days on surfaces, hands, clothing and equipment: you can therefore bring it home without having brought a cat.

A recovered cat often remains a carrier for weeks or months and continues to shed the virus, even without any visible signs.

Humans and dogs are not affected.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The veterinarian most often recognizes the disease by clinical examination: inspection of the mouth for ulcers, examination of the eyes and nose, taking the temperature.

He checks the hydration status and listens to the lungs to identify extension to the lower respiratory tract.

A throat or eye swab can be analyzed to identify the virus, especially in a community setting or when several cats are affected.

Screening for FIV and leukosis is frequently suggested in a cat that is dragging or relapsing.

Treatment

There is no medication that eliminates the virus: the treatment supports the cat while its defenses do the work.

The priority is to get him to eat again. The veterinarian can prescribe a painkiller suitable for the cat, offer a soft and odorous food, warmed up, sometimes the installation of a feeding tube when the fast is prolonged.

An antibiotic is used when bacteria is added, not against the virus itself.

Home care is very important: gentle cleaning of the nose and eyes with physiological serum, sessions in a bathroom filled with steam to clear the nose, water always available.

Never give human medicine to a cat: many painkillers common in humans are toxic to them, even in very small quantities.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Vaccination is the main prevention tool and is part of the basic vaccines recommended for all cats.

When a new cat arrives, plan for a period of isolation and a veterinary visit before bringing it into contact with others.

Separate bowls, litter boxes and beds, regular cleaning, ventilation of premises.

Wash your hands between cats and change clothes after handling a sick animal.

Vaccination

Calicivirus is included in the basic cat vaccine, associated with herpesvirus and typhus.

The primary vaccination begins with the kitten, with several injections close together, then a booster the following year; the frequency of boosters is then set by the veterinarian according to the cat's lifestyle.

The vaccine does not always block infection or prevent carriage, but it significantly reduces the severity of episodes.

A strict indoor cat also needs to be vaccinated: the virus travels on shoes and hands.

Possible complications

Extension of the infection to the lungs, with bronchopneumonia which can be life-threatening.

Establishment of chronic gingivostomatitis: permanently painful mouth, bad breath, weight loss.

Dehydration and muscle wasting in a cat that no longer eats, especially kittens.

There is a rare but very serious form, called systemic, with high fever, swelling of the face and legs, skin crusts and damage to several organs.

When to see a veterinarian

Your cat hasn't eaten for twenty-four hours, or your kitten for less than that.

He drools, keeps his mouth half open or refuses to have his head touched.

He is breathing quickly, mouth open, or his respiratory efforts are visible: seek emergency medical attention.

His discharge becomes thick and colored, or he coughs.

His condition worsens despite treatment, or other cats in the home become ill.

Prognosis

Most adult cats recover from the acute episode within one to two weeks with supportive care.

The prognosis is more guarded in kittens, elderly cats and immunocompromised cats, in whom the infection descends more easily towards the lungs.

Some cats have after-effects: chronic sneezing, or persistent inflammation of the mouth which requires long-term monitoring.

Frequently asked questions

My cat is vaccinated: why did he still catch the disease?

The calicivirus comes in many variants and the vaccine cannot cover them all. A vaccinated cat who falls ill generally has a much milder form and recovers more quickly: vaccination remains useful.

Can I get this disease?

No. Feline calicivirus only affects cats. However, you can carry it on your hands or clothing from one cat to another: wash your hands between two animals.

Can my cured cat infect others?

Yes, it's common. Many cats continue to shed the virus for weeks or months after recovery, without showing any signs. C'est pour cela qu'un nouveau chat doit toujours être isolé et vacciné avant d'être présenté aux autres.

Why does my cat refuse to eat even though he is hungry?

Two reasons combine: mouth ulcers make every bite painful, and a blocked nose suppresses the sense of smell, which triggers the desire to eat in cats. Soft, strong-smelling, slightly warmed food often helps, but a cat that is no longer eating should be seen quickly.