Feline Upper Respiratory Infection: Calici and Herpes Combined Welfare Guide

A comprehensive guide to managing feline calicivirus and herpesvirus infections, the two most common causes of cat flu.

Key Facts

Calicivirus (FCV) and herpesvirus (FHV-1) cause the majority of feline upper respiratory infections
Signs include sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and oral ulcers (FCV)
Herpesvirus establishes latency, causing recurrent disease under stress
Calicivirus causes oral ulcers causing significant pain affecting eating
Vaccination reduces severity but does not prevent infection entirely
Supportive nursing care is critical for recovery in all affected cats

Welfare Considerations and Management

Welfare-centred management of cat flu requires supportive nursing care alongside specific treatments where available. Lysine supplementation (controversial but widely used) may reduce FHV-1 replication. Famciclovir is an antiviral effective against FHV-1. Anti-nausea and appetite stimulant medications maintain food intake. Nasal decongestants improve breathing. Severe FCV with systemic virulent strains (VS-FCV) requires intensive veterinary management. Good nursing including steam from hot showers and gentle cleaning of discharge maintains comfort.

What You Can Do

Keep affected cats warm, comfortable, and in a low-stress environment
Offer warmed, palatable food to encourage eating in anorexic cats
Discuss famciclovir with your vet for cats with severe herpesvirus disease
Maintain vaccination to reduce severity of infection in all household cats