Quick Answer:
FPV, FHV, and FCV are three major viruses that affect cats. FPV is Feline Parvovirus (causing panleukopenia), FHV is Feline Herpesvirus (causing viral rhinotracheitis), and FCV is Feline Calicivirus (causing respiratory infections and oral disease). All three are highly contagious and are part of the “core” diseases cats are routinely vaccinated against.
🐾 Breakdown of Each Virus
🧬 FPV – Feline Parvovirus
- Also called Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) or feline distemper.
- Causes severe gastrointestinal illness: vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and dehydration.
- Particularly deadly in kittens, with a high mortality rate.
- Extremely resilient: can survive in the environment for up to a year.
- Preventable with vaccination WebMD Vetic Cats Protection.
🧬 FHV – Feline Herpesvirus
- Also known as Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR).
- Major cause of upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats.
- Symptoms: sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, conjunctivitis, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite.
- Can cause eye problems (keratitis, conjunctivitis).
- Once infected, cats often remain lifelong carriers with flare-ups during stress International Cat Care VCA PetMD.
🧬 FCV – Feline Calicivirus
- Another major cause of cat flu (URIs).
- Symptoms overlap with FHV: sneezing, nasal/eye discharge, conjunctivitis.
- Unique sign: oral ulcers (especially on the tongue).
- Can also cause gingivostomatitis (mouth inflammation).
- Most cats recover, but some strains can be more severe or even fatal International Cat Care Cats.com Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
📊 Comparison Table
| Virus | Full Name | Main Disease | Key Symptoms | Severity | Vaccination |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FPV | Feline Parvovirus | Panleukopenia (feline distemper) | Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dehydration | Very high mortality (esp. kittens) | ✅ Core vaccine |
| FHV | Feline Herpesvirus | Viral Rhinotracheitis | Sneezing, nasal/eye discharge, conjunctivitis, eye disease | Chronic, lifelong carrier state | ✅ Core vaccine |
| FCV | Feline Calicivirus | Cat flu, oral disease | Sneezing, discharge, oral ulcers, fever | Usually mild, but can be severe | ✅ Core vaccine |
⚠️ Risks & Prevention
- Risks: All three viruses spread easily in multi-cat environments (shelters, catteries, rescues).
- Prevention: Vaccination is the most effective protection. These are considered core vaccines for cats worldwide.
- Trade-offs: Vaccines may not prevent infection entirely but greatly reduce severity and spread.