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My adopted shelter cat has FHV/calicivirus. What should I do now?
Updated on September 23, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 lbs
I adopted a young male cat from the shelter. He then got FHV so I took him to the vet and was given amoxicillin. He got better, then 2 weeks later got sick again. Our vet gave him a refill, but after 5 days of no improvement, I took him back and was told he now has calicivirus. He was given (attached picture), but it's been 3 days and his health is declining. Vet visits are adding up $$$ and I don't know what else to do! :(
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 9, 2019
Hello, thank you for your question about Cairo.
Based on the symptoms that you are describing it sounds like Cairo is suffering from a bad upper respiratory infection. Viral upper respiratory infections (secondary to herpesvirus, calicivirus, etc) are not uncommon in cats adopted from a shelter. Flare ups of these infections are usually brought on by stressful situations, such as a recent environment change/shelter life, etc. If the infections become serious they often lead to secondary bacterial infections and possibly pneumonia.
If it has not been done already I would recommend having chest x-rays to look for evidence of pneumonia. Additionally, I would recommend discussing a different antibiotic with your veterinarian. Convenia, is not routinely used for upper respiratory infections/pneumonia, and could be contributing to the progression of the symptoms.
Hope this helps, good luck!
Based on the symptoms that you are describing it sounds like Cairo is suffering from a bad upper respiratory infection. Viral upper respiratory infections (secondary to herpesvirus, calicivirus, etc) are not uncommon in cats adopted from a shelter. Flare ups of these infections are usually brought on by stressful situations, such as a recent environment change/shelter life, etc. If the infections become serious they often lead to secondary bacterial infections and possibly pneumonia.
If it has not been done already I would recommend having chest x-rays to look for evidence of pneumonia. Additionally, I would recommend discussing a different antibiotic with your veterinarian. Convenia, is not routinely used for upper respiratory infections/pneumonia, and could be contributing to the progression of the symptoms.
Hope this helps, good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful