Feline calicivirus in cats – signs and treatment

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: International Cat Care (iCatCare)

Contact a vet today

Contact your vet today if you think your cat has this – it can become serious. Feline calicivirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause an upper respiratory infection in cats.

What to do now

What you can do now

  1. Contact your vet today.
  2. Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
  3. Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
  4. Keep fresh water available.
  5. Let your cat rest somewhere calm.

Don't

  • Do not give any human medicine.
  • Do not wait if it gets worse.

What it is

Feline calicivirus is a highly contagious virus and a major cause of upper respiratory infections in cats.[1] In rare outbreaks, it can be life-threatening in affected cats.[1] Secondary bacterial infections can complicate feline calicivirus infections.[1]

Signs

  • Sneezing
  • Discharge from the nose
  • Discharge from the eyes
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Tongue ulcers
  • Lethargy or tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • High temperature or fever
  • Inflammation of the mouth and gums
  • Limping syndrome

Causes and risk factors

  • Direct contact with saliva or discharge from the eyes or nose
  • Breathing in sneeze droplets
  • Sharing food bowls and litter trays
  • A contaminated environment

How vets treat it

  • Antibiotics
  • Pain relief
  • Fluids or a drip
  • Hospitalisation
  • A diet change
  • Good nursing care
  • Nutritional support, including a feeding tube in severe cases

What the experts say

“Sneezing ; Discharge from the nose ; Discharge from the eyes ; Conjunctivitis ; Tongue ulceration ; Lethargy/tiredness ; Loss of appetite ; High temperature (fever) ; Gingivitis and stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth and gums) ; Limping syndrome”

— International Cat Care (iCatCare) [1]
If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

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Common questions

Is feline calicivirus contagious?

Yes. Feline calicivirus is highly contagious in cats.[1]

What signs can feline calicivirus cause?

Signs can include sneezing, discharge from the nose or eyes, conjunctivitis, tongue ulcers, tiredness, loss of appetite, fever, inflammation of the mouth and gums, and limping syndrome.[1]

How may a vet treat feline calicivirus?

A vet may use antibiotics, provide good nursing care, and in severe cases hospitalise a cat for a drip and nutritional support, including a feeding tube.[1]

Sources

  1. International Cat Care (iCatCare)

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages

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