Living with an FCV cat: Is it chronic? Can I get another cat?

Question

My roommate has a cat that is less than a year old and she said is diagnosed with feline calcivirus. He always has brownish, crusty boogers around his nose/eyes and she said her vets told her he will have it his entire life. Can FCV be chronic? Will I be able to get a cat myself or is the risk of the infection spreading too great? I have the opportunity to either get a cat now or in 5 months when we no longer live together and I don't know what I should do.

Lotus Altholtz · Accepted Answer

I recommend getting a cat when you no longer live with your current roommate and her cat. As many of half of all cats with calicivirus infection may continue to shed calicivirus particles intermittently or constantly for several months or for a lifetime. As calicivirus is extremely contagious through either direct contact with an infected cat/cat shedding viral particles, breathing the same air as an infected/carrier state/shedding cat, or contact with contaminated objects such as food bowls and toys, it would definitely be best to wait and to be sure that your new cat/kitten receives all required boosters of the FVRCP vaccine as well as the rabies vaccine early on. Good luck!

Living with an FCV cat: Is it chronic? Can I get another cat?

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