In this article on our site we are going to talk about a fairly common virus among cats, especially those that live in colonies or communities. It is the feline calicivirus (FVC or FCV), which causes a disease of which we will present the symptoms, as well as the treatment and preventive measures to be adopted to avoid it, given the ease with which it is transmitted.
If you identify any of the symptoms that we will see below, you will need to go to your reference veterinarian's office as soon as possible to avoid complications. Read on to find out what calicivirus in cats is, what it causes and how to treat it.
What is feline calicivirus?
Calicivirus is the name of the virus responsible for a feline infectious disease which, due to its ease of transmission, is relatively common in cats, especially if they live in communities, such as street colonies, cattery or protective associations. That it is more common in cats in these circumstances does not mean that it cannot occur in those who live in homes as a single cat. In addition, kittens and cats with weakened immune systems for any reason are at increased risk of infection.
In a few words, we could define this disease as a cold or the flu, in fact, it is very similar to feline rhinotracheitis caused by the herpesvirus. But it is important to be clear about some key aspects:
- Although in some specimens it presents with mild signs, in others not only serious complications may arise, but some strains are extraordinarily virulent. Since the year 2000 there has been talk of virulent systemic calicivirus The virus has a great capacity to mutate and it is in one of these mutations that it acquires this hypervirulence.
- Mutations mean that the same cat can have the disease several times.
- Some cats are carriers which, even if they remain asymptomatic, can be contagious, shedding the virus in their saliva and nasal secretions and eyes even for years or even for life. It is not known how long cats that outgrow virulent systemic calicivirus can shed the virus.
How is feline calicivirus spread?
Feline calicivirus is spread through direct contact with a cat that is sick or carries the virus, as well as with contaminated objects, especially all with saliva, which is the main route of infection. The virus enters the body through the conjunctival, nasal or oral route.
Therefore, close coexistence between animals, sharing objects such as feeders or toys, or spaces potentially contaminated with the virus, including the litter box, is the origin of the disease. The systemic virulent virus is capable of surviving several months if not disinfected. We may carry the virus ourselves and thus introduce it into the home.
Is calicivirus contagious to humans?
On the other hand, it is important to know that it is an exclusively feline virus. This means that, no matter how contagious it may be, s only transmission between cats is possible Neither people nor other pets that live with the cat, even in close contact strait are going to get the calicivirus.
Calicivirus symptoms in cats
Next, we are going to present the most frequent clinical signs that we can identify in a cat sick with calicivirus. They will appear in 2-10 days after infection. They are as follows:
- Runny nose.
- Respiratory difficulties.
- Eye discharge.
- Conjunctivitis and even ulcers.
- Wounds in the oral cavity and nose.
- Gingivitis and stomatitis.
- Hypersalivation.
- Sneezing.
- Fever.
- Decay.
- Loss of appetite.
- Dehydration.
- Pneumonia.
In some cases, joint discomfort and lameness may also occur. The symptoms of the sick cat can be very mild or, on the contrary, worsen. An animal that is not breathing well, has painful sores in its mouth and has a fever, eventually stops eating and drinking, which in turn makes the situation worse by causing dehydration. If the cat does not receive assistance it is likely to die
Fortunately, many cats with calicivirus manage to recover from the disease, although it is common for them to require veterinary treatment and it must be taken into account that they can continue to infect for several weeks, even years in the case of asymptomatic carriers. As if that were not enough, the systemic virulent calicivirus is capable of causing the death of a high percentage of cats in a short space of time. In these cases, the disease usually manifests itself acutely and presents other symptoms such as:
- Edemas.
- Vasculitis.
- Involvement of different organs.
- Diarrhea.
- Hemorrhages.
- Jaundice.
- Pleural effusion.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation.
It is essential to go to the vet immediately if you identify any of the symptoms of feline calicivirus described here.
Feline calicivirus diagnosis
Normally, the veterinarian arrives at the diagnosis based on the symptoms presented by the cat. Although it can be confused with rhinotracheitis, if ulcers are found in the mouth, the disease will be attributed to calicivirus. The vet will ask us for information about the cat and perform a general examination In the most serious cases, blood may be drawn to obtain general information on its clinical situation. In addition, in cases where it is necessary to be sure whether or not it is calicivirus, it is possible to take a sample of the oral mucosa to send to the laboratory that can identify the virus. There are also calicivirus tests that determine antibodies.
Feline calicivirus treatment
As we have seen, there is a cure for feline calicivirus, although the cat may remain a carrier of the virus. There is no drug against it, but there is a support treatment aimed at improving the cat's condition and controlling symptoms while its immune system fights the virus. Thus, treatment depends on the signs the cat shows and the severity of it.
It is usual to prescribe antibiotics to prevent the appearance of opportunistic bacterial infections, analgesics or anti-inflammatories, eye drops, antivirals, etc. In addition, we will have to make sure that the cat eats and drinks. We can encourage him by offering him his favorite food or some wet food. There are specially formulated for sick animals and can be diluted in water to administer through a syringe. Heating the food encourages the cat to smell it, although care must be taken that it does not burn before offering it.
We must also keep the nostrils clean and, in general, the face, since nasal and ocular secretions can be very abundant. It is enough to pass a gauze soaked in physiological serum, which can be lukewarm, 3-4 times a day.
On the other hand, it would be convenient to keep the cat isolated if it lives with others, have a feeder, drinker and litter box for its exclusive use and not let him go outside if he has access. In the most severe cases, the cat may be hospitalized for fluid therapy and intravenous medication.
It is important to know that there is a vaccine against feline calicivirus, but it serves as a preventive measure, it is not part of the treatment. That is, once the cat is sick, administering the vaccine will not cure it. This has to be done according to the vaccination schedule that the vet guides us.
Feline calicivirus: home treatment
Just as there is no specific veterinary treatment against calicivirus, there is no home treatment either. We know that it has to be the cat's immune system that reacts to control the virus. For this reason, what we can do from home, in addition to the hygiene and feeding guidelines and the follow-up of the treatment prescribed by the veterinarian, is to help strengthen it.
To do this, we won't have to do anything more than take care of our cat, offer him a high-quality food, keep him in a stress-free environment and provide you with a comfortable and warm space in which to recover. Any vitamin supplement or supplement that we want to give our cat for its potential beneficial effect on its disease or its immune system must be consulted with the veterinarian.
Prevention of calicivirus in cats
The star measure in the prevention of calicivirus disease is vaccination Therefore, it is recommended to follow the vaccination schedule proposed by our trusted veterinarian, regardless of whether the cat has access to the outside or not.
The feline calicivirus vaccine can be given in the first months of life and must be repeated once a year. Nothing will completely prevent contracting the virus, but the vaccine protects enough that most cats do not develop the disease or do so mildly.
Also, if you have cats and you bring a new one home, you'll need to quarantine or test it to ensure it doesn't carry any potentially contagious diseases. Avoid sharing utensils and disinfect them regularly. If this is the case, treat he althy cats first and the sick one last. At the end, change your clothes and wash your hands and face well. Good hygiene, good management of felines and vaccination are the keys to prevention.
