What Cat Owners Need to Know About Feline Calicivirus
Dr. Watiba Danish
If your cat has been sneezing, looking unusually tired, or avoiding food because of mouth pain, one possible cause is Feline Calicivirus (FCV). This illness is fairly common in cats, and while most recover well, knowing the signs and acting quickly can make all the difference.
What is Feline Calicivirus?
Feline Calicivirus is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects a cat’s mouth and upper airways. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, it is one of the most frequent causes of feline upper respiratory infections. The virus spreads easily through saliva, eye and nasal secretions, and can be passed on by close contact, grooming, sneezing, or sharing bowls.
Signs You Might Notice
Not every cat shows the same signs, but some symptoms are quite typical. These include:
- Frequent sneezing or coughing
- Watery or thick eye discharge
- Painful mouth ulcers (sores on the tongue or gums)
- Drooling because eating is uncomfortable
- Fever, low energy, or loss of appetite
Occasionally, cats may develop short-term joint pain, sometimes referred to as “limping syndrome.” In rare cases, more severe strains of the virus can cause widespread illness with skin sores, swelling, or even jaundice (Blackwell’s Clinical Veterinary Advisor).
How Vets Diagnose FCV
Diagnosis usually begins with your vet carefully examining your cat’s symptoms and history. Mouth ulcers are a strong indicator. In more complex cases, laboratory tests such as PCR may be used to confirm FCV and rule out similar conditions like feline herpesvirus.
Preventing the Virus
The most effective prevention is vaccination, which is part of the standard core vaccines for cats. While the vaccine may not stop infection in every case, it usually makes symptoms much milder and reduces the spread of the virus.
Alongside vaccination, good hygiene plays an important role. Wash your hands after handling cats, disinfect bowls and litter trays regularly, and always quarantine new cats for at least two weeks before introducing them to others in the household.
When to Contact Your Vet
Call your veterinarian promptly if your cat shows:
- Sneezing that doesn’t clear up
- Eye or nasal discharge
- Painful mouth ulcers or refusal to eat
- Sudden limping or unusual tiredness
Early veterinary care ensures faster recovery and keeps your cat more comfortable.
References:
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Feline Calicivirus Infection
- Blackwell’s Clinical Veterinary Advisor