Feline calicivirus causes respiratory disease and oral ulceration. Understanding the range of disease severity helps owners and vets manage the condition appropriately.
Cats with FCV infection suffer from oral pain that reduces eating, chronic nasal discharge, and in severe calicivirus strains, systemic illness with high mortality. The oral ulceration from FCV is particularly impactful on welfare as it directly prevents eating. Vaccination, good shelter hygiene, and prompt treatment of symptomatic cats minimize suffering.