Feline calicivirus is a major upper respiratory pathogen in cats, causing significant welfare impacts in shelter populations, and its control requires rigorous biosecurity and vaccination protocols.
FCV causes significant pain from oral ulcers, making eating and swallowing extremely uncomfortable for affected cats. In shelters, high cat density enables rapid spread. Welfare priorities include vaccination of all incoming cats, prompt isolation of sick individuals, adequate pain relief for oral ulcers, supportive nutritional care, and environmental enrichment to reduce stress-related immunosuppression.