Feline calicivirus

 Feline calicivirus: a respiratory disease that afflicts cats

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a prevalent cat respiratory infection. Which causes a wide range of symptoms from mild to severe, it is also called the “cat cold”. While there is no dedicated cure for FCV, supportive care and prevention can help keep your kitty healthy.

 

Symptoms:

Common FCV symptoms include:

Nasal discharge: Either flowing or purulent.

Almost constant: obnoxious sneezing.

Conjunctivitis: swollen or red eyes.

Stomatitis: ulcérations et ulcérations dans la bouche.

Reduced appetite: Mouth pain can cause the cat to refuse food.

Fever: The cat may have an elevated temperature.

Lethargy: The kitty may be low on energy or none and will likely show no interest in its normal activity.

 

Moving in:

It spreads easily through direct contact with an infected cat. It can also be disseminated via infected fluids, consisting of saliva or urine from a contagious feline. Due to its being able to live on surfaces for hours, any surface that an infected cat has come into contact with should be cleaned.

 

Diagnosis:

Like many other feline viruses, Fc is diagnosed based on history and clinical signs. Diagnostic tests – your vet may do a blood test or swab the nose.

 

Treatment:

No specific treatment exists for FCV but supportive care can help your cat recover, or at least live in comfort. Supportive care may include:

Liquids: help to prevent dehydration.

Anti-inflammatory drugs: these reduce inflammation and pain.

Antibiotics: only if there is an associated bacterial infection.

Mouth care: for mouth ulcers and pain relief.

 

Protection:

The only thing that prevents FCV is vaccination! We advise an annual vaccination for every cat. You can also reduce the risk of an FCV infection by:

Notably, this includes

washing hands well: particularly following interaction with another feline.

Environment cleanliness: Clean the food and water bowls and litter boxes regularly.

Keep sick cats away: If your cat is sick do not permit her to get around other felines until she gets better.

 

Close of:

FCV is a common cat respiratory infection. While there is no specific treatment, supportive care & prevention can help keep your cat healthy. If you suspect your cat has FCV at all, you should get him straight to the vet.