Feline Calcivirus

 

Feline Calcivirus is a highly contagious virus that causes respiratory infection and oral disease in cats. 

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It most often affects young cats in shelters or breeding colonies, so it is most common in multi-cat environments. 

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In shelters or pet stores, 20 to 45% of the cats may be carriers of the virus.

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The virus spreads through direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or eye discharge. Lab tests can also detect the virus in urine, feces, and blood. 

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Symptoms can include sneezing, nasal congestion, fever, and drooling. In more severe cases the cat can develop inflammation in the mouth and ulcers on the tongue.

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Vaccines do not protect against Calcivirus completely but they can greatly reduce the severity of the infection.

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Once kittens reach 6 to 8 weeks of age they should recieve the vaccine every 3 to 4 weeks, with the final vaccine being at 16 weeks of age. 

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Cats that become carriers will continue to shed the virus even after they recover from the infection.

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Whenever you bring a new cat into the home you should isolate the cat from other cats in the household for 1 to 2 weeks while you watch for any sign of the disease.