Feline Calicivirus

Feline calicivirus is a highly contagious viral disease.  It is a common cause of upper respiratory infections and is most commonly seen in older cats.  It is widespread throughout the world.  Although any cat can develop calicivirus; kittens, older cats, and cats with compromised immune systems are the most prone for developing an infection.  Most outbreaks of feline calicivirus occur in facilities where a large number of cats can be present at the same time; such as feral colonies, animal shelters, and multi-cat households.

Transmission of this disease seems to be primarily through direct contact with an infected cat.  It is spread through a discharge from the nose, eyes, or saliva of an infected cat.  The symptoms of calicivirus are similar to those experienced by humans with a cold.  Cats suffering from a calicivirus infection show signs of lethargy, breathing difficulty, loss of appetite, sneezing, and nasal discharge. In more chronic cases; the disease can produce other symptoms, including ulceration, in addition to pus filled sores on the lips, nose, roof of the mouth, and tongue.