Feline calicivirus (FCV) causes oral ulceration, respiratory disease, and in virulent strains, systemic disease. Advanced management reduces welfare suffering through targeted treatment and prevention.
FCV oral ulceration causes intense oral pain that prevents normal eating and grooming, significantly compromising quality of life in affected cats. Virulent systemic strains cause even more severe disease with high mortality. Vaccination, reducing overcrowding stress that promotes viral shedding, and prompt treatment of clinical cases with appropriate analgesia and supportive care are the key welfare management strategies.