Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) is a common viral infection in cats and is part of the coronavirus family, which includes viruses causing diseases in humans and other animals. A significant percentage of cats are exposed to FCoV during their lifetimes, with some studies suggesting that up to 80-90% of cats living in multi-cat environments may become infected. Despite its prevalence, FCoV is highly contagious and usually spreads through contact with the feces, saliva, or other bodily fluids of infected cats.
Most cats infected with FCoV are asymptomatic or may exhibit only mild symptoms, such as temporary diarrhea or mild respiratory conditions. However, a small percentage of these cats, approximately 5-10%, may experience a mutation of the virus that leads to the development of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a more severe disease.
Cats at higher risk of contracting FCoV include those in multi-cat households, shelters, or catteries, and those with access to the outdoors. The virus typically sheds in feces, so exposure to infected feces greatly increases the risk of transmission.
There are multiple diagnostic tests for FCoV in cats, including blood tests, fecal tests, and serology tests. It is critical to recognize that a positive FCoV test result does not necessarily mean a cat will develop FIP. In fact, many cats with a positive test for FCoV remain asymptomatic and do not develop any further complications.
Preventive measures against FCoV focus on good hygiene practices, such as keeping litter boxes clean and quarantining new cats during the introduction phase to prevent disease spread within multi-cat environments.
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