Help, I'm really freaking out right now. My cat, Luna, just got diagnosed with calicivirus, and I'm trying to wrap my head around how this is going to affect my household. I love her so much, and I'm doing everything I can to keep her comfortable, but I'm worried about accidentally spreading the virus to other pets. I have a neighbor who often brings her cat over for playdates, and I’m paranoid about transferring the virus through just my clothes or even toys Luna's been in contact with. I've heard calicivirus can be super contagious, but how careful do I need to be? Should I wash my clothes every time Luna cuddles with me or if I pet her after administering her meds? I'm trying to be vigilant, but I’m not exactly sure what the best practices are to prevent spreading this. Any advice or personal experiences you can share would really help. Thank you so much.
Thanks for your question! Feline calicivirus is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects cats, causing upper respiratory symptoms. You're right to consider how it spreads in order to protect any healthy cats in your household.
While feline calicivirus primarily spreads through direct contact between cats, it can also be transmitted via contaminated objects, like your clothing, hands, or shared items such as food bowls and litter boxes. The virus can survive on surfaces for up to a few days, making it important to practice good hygiene.
To minimize the risk of spreading the virus, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling an infected cat. Change clothes that may have come into contact, and wash them in hot water if possible. It's also helpful to regularly disinfect items like food dishes and litter boxes.
Keep an eye on your cat for signs of illness, such as sneezing, nasal discharge, oral ulcers, or limping, as these could indicate a calicivirus infection. If any symptoms appear or if you have concerns about the health of your pet, seeking veterinary advice is always a good plan.
I recommend scheduling a video consult with a Dial A Vet professional to talk through your specific situation in more detail and ensure you’re taking the right steps for your cats’ health.
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