Feline Calicivirus (FCV) Is Responsible for Most from the Eyes and Nose

FOR YOUR PeT Preventive Care Preventive associated with the upper respiratory infection infection upper the respiratory with associated are of FCV signs commonThe clinical most Calicivirus? Signs of the Are What to other cats. exposed be outside can goes and that householdfrom amulticat or from agroup of cats eliminate to difficult be it state, can acarrier has and don’t they though even to sick be themselves. appear cats other infect can they means This of virus. the contaminated areas with a dilute bleach solution. the virus. Fortunately, FCV can be killed by cleaning bowls, litterboxes, and other items can help spread ronment for weeks, and contaminated food and water envi the However, in live sneezing. is can that FCV cat infection is spread by direct contact with an infected mouth) and discharge from the eyes. Most commonly, secretions (mucus and droplets from the nose and Calicivirus is spread among cats through respiratory Calicivirus? With Infected Become Do Cats How vary. can cause they FCV, of illness severity the and of types areseveral There not to humans. contagious infections. upperfeline respiratory virus, feline calicivirus (FCV) is responsible for most from the eyes and nose. Along with the rhinotracheitis clinical signs such as sneezing, wheezing, and discharge the common cold in people and are characterized by are infections, respiratory very common. They resemble upper called sometimes infections, Feline upper airway Calicivirus? Is What • • • Feline Calicivirus Feline with FCV. with associated disease from cats protect can Vaccination infection. FCV to exposure for risk increased at are cats other around time spend or outside go that Cats infections. respiratory upper feline most for responsible is (FCV) calicivirus feline virus, rhinotracheitis the with Along Because FCV is highly contagious, easily spread, easily contagious, highly is FCV Because becomecarriers recover from FCV that Some cats but is cats among contagious highly is Calicivirus

- severe complications:severe addition of the more with strains, of other FCV include those VS-FCV with associated signs Clinical cats. of 30% infected more in than death cause can and signs more clinical serious causes (VS-FCV), occurred as outbreaks at shelters animal and catteries. or to eat drink. to refuse some cats causing painful, very are ulcers tongue mouthFCV-associated and to pneumonia. severe Also, progress can FCV with tions. Clinical signs include following: the signs Clinical tions. develop more complica serious can sick cats very However, to tends cause. or young virus the that • • • • • • • • • • • • • • VS-FCV was first reported inthe late 1990sand calicivirus systemic of FCV, virulent One type called associated infection respiratory the someIn cases, Fever Loss of appetite Loss nose Runny eyes runny Red, (tiredness) Lethargy Open-mouthed breathing congestion and Sneezing gums) the of (inflammation Gingivitis Limping Vomiting diarrhea and breathing Difficulty feet and on loss face the hair and sores, Ulcers, legs and of face the theunderskin) (fluidaccumulation Edema on mouth tongue the and the in Ulcers -

Preventive Care

Fortunately, the virus does not seem to be spreading 3 to 4 weeks later, followed by additional boosters to the general cat population. every 1 to 3 years. Cats that go outdoors, live with other cats, or visit How Is Calicivirus Diagnosed and Treated? grooming or boarding facilities are at greater risk Sophisticated testing of body fluids can be used to for exposure to FCV compared with cats that stay diagnose FCV infection, but most veterinarians indoors and have limited contact with other cats. make the diagnosis based on clinical signs. No medi- Keeping the environment clean can help prevent cation can cure FCV. Treatment is mainly supportive the spread of FCV. Be sure to wash your hands after and consists of administering fluids to combat dehy- handling an infected cat. Similarly, bowls, blankets, dration, offering soft food until mouth ulcers heal, towels, toys, litterboxes, and other items should be administering antibiotics to help treat secondary cleaned with a dilute bleach solution (if possible) to bacterial infections, and prescribing other medications reduce the risk of further disease spread. Keeping as needed to help control other clinical signs. sick cats separated from healthy cats can reduce the likelihood of spreading FCV. How Can Calicivirus Be Prevented? Any new kitten or cat being introduced into the Several vaccines are available for preventing disease home should be examined by a veterinarian as soon associated with FCV. There is also a vaccine against as possible and separated from all other household VS-FCV. All of the available FCV vaccines have pets for a quarantine period of at least a few weeks. been tested and found to be safe and effective when Any problems or signs of illness should be reported administered as directed. to your veterinarian before introducing the new cat The FCV vaccination is recommended for all to your other pets. cats. Kittens are generally vaccinated around If your cat is known or suspected to be infected 8 to 9 weeks of age (depending on vaccine label with FCV, contact your veterinarian promptly to recommendations). Booster vaccinations are given discuss how you can protect your other pets. FOR YOUR PeT © 2011 Vetstreet Inc. Created and peer-reviewed by Vetlearn. Brought to you by Vetstreet. Vetlearn grants permission to individual veterinary clinics to print and distribute this handout for the purposes of client education. Posting on an external website without written permission from Vetlearn is a violation of copyright laws.