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Feline Calicivirus Infection in Cats




Your cat will need to be hospitalized for intensive care and treatment if it has developed pneumonia or is experiencing severe life-threatening hemorrhages. Oxygen will be given if your cat is unable to breathe comfortably due to pneumonia. While there is no specific medication that is given for viral infections of this type, broad spectrum antibiotics are given to prevent or treat the secondary bacterial infections that are commonly seen with viral infections. Ophthalmic antibiotics are prescribed for use in the affected eyes, and pain killers can be prescribed for patients with painful walking.


Living and Management


Your cat requires good nursing care while recovering from the calicivirus infection. This may include cleaning the cat's eyes and nose to prevent accumulation of secretions. Your veterinarian will recommend a food diet made up of highly nutritious and easily digestible foods, to be given at regular intervals so as to maintain a positive energy balance and to prevent malnutrition. If your cat is suffering from oral ulcers, it will need to be given soft foods.


Respiratory discomfort and breathing difficulties is also common, so advise your veterinarian if they should develop.



Even though vaccinations have not successfully decreased the prevalence of this virus, a FCV vaccine is still the best preventative for your cat, and may reduce the symptoms should your cat acquire the virus.


Your cat's overall prognosis depends on the severity of the symptoms. Cats with uncomplicated cases of pneumonia, for example, typically recover within three to four days. However, severe pneumonia may be life-threatening. Oral ulcers and arthritis symptoms, on the other hand, generally resolve without complications.



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