How do cats get infected with calicivirus? - briefly
Cats typically become infected with calicivirus through direct contact with an infected cat or contaminated objects. The virus can survive in the environment for up to a month, making it easily transmissible through shared food bowls, litter trays, and grooming tools.
How do cats get infected with calicivirus? - in detail
Cats can become infected with calicivirus through various routes, and the virus is highly contagious among felines. The primary means of transmission involve direct contact with an infected cat or exposure to environments where the virus resides.
One of the most common ways cats contract calicivirus is through contact with infected saliva, nasal secretions, or eye discharge from another cat. This can occur during social interactions such as grooming, sharing food or water bowls, and even through shared litter trays. The virus can remain viable on surfaces for up to a month, making it easy for cats to pick up the infection indirectly.
Additionally, calicivirus is shed in the feces of infected cats, which can contaminate bedding, carpets, and other surfaces within a household. Cats that come into contact with these contaminated areas may inadvertently ingest or absorb the virus, leading to infection.
Breeding and boarding facilities are particularly susceptible to outbreaks due to the high concentration of cats in close proximity. Here, the virus can rapidly spread from one cat to another through shared airspace and contaminated surfaces.
It's also worth noting that calicivirus is resistant to many common disinfectants, which further complicates efforts to control its spread within multi-cat households or shelters. This resistance allows the virus to persist in the environment, making it a significant challenge for pet owners and veterinary professionals alike.
In summary, cats become infected with calicivirus primarily through direct contact with infected cats or indirectly through contaminated environments. The virus's resilience and ability to survive on surfaces for extended periods contribute to its widespread transmission among felines.