Companion Animals

Cat Feline FCV Advanced Welfare

Feline calicivirus causes oral and respiratory disease with welfare implications ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening virulent systemic disease.

Key Facts

FCV is endemic in cat populations globally with multiple strains of varying virulence
Classic FCV causes oral ulcers and upper respiratory disease with significant oral pain
Virulent systemic FCV causes mortality of 40 to 60 percent in affected populations
Vaccination provides partial protection but cannot prevent infection from all strains
Shelter outbreaks of virulent FCV require immediate isolation and euthanasia of severely affected cats

Welfare Considerations

Cats with classic FCV experience painful oral ulcers that prevent eating and cause significant distress. Virulent systemic FCV causes rapid, severe multi-organ failure that is frequently fatal despite intensive treatment.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate all cats against FCV as part of core vaccination programs
Isolate cats showing respiratory signs before and after shelter or boarding environments
Report suspected virulent FCV outbreaks to your vet and local shelter network immediately