Companion Animals

Cat Feline Calicivirus Welfare

Feline calicivirus (FCV) causes painful ulceration of the mouth and upper respiratory disease, with virulent systemic strains causing serious welfare emergencies in affected cat populations.

Key Facts

FCV is one of the most common feline infectious diseases causing oral ulcers and respiratory signs
Virulent systemic FCV (VS-FCV) causes facial oedema, skin ulceration, and high mortality
Vaccination reduces severity of infection but does not prevent all clinical disease
Cats in multi-cat environments have higher infection risk
Oral pain from FCV ulceration causes reduced food intake and significant suffering

Welfare Considerations

FCV oral ulceration causes significant pain affecting eating and daily function. Vaccination and multi-cat hygiene management are the primary welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate cats regularly against FCV as part of routine preventive health care
Isolate cats with suspected VS-FCV immediately to prevent spread
Provide pain relief and nutritional support for cats with painful oral ulceration
Seek emergency veterinary attention for any cat showing severe FCV signs