Calicivirus

[donnakwt]

Hello. I am in the terrible position of being a new breeder, thinking I've done everything 'right', and still have my first litter all get sick and die within a week. I was hoping someone could help explain to me what went wrong.

Basically, all the kittens seemed to have some kind of respiritory virus. My vet says mum must be carrying it. I am confused because mum is up to date with innoculations, has tested negative for aids and leukemia and is fit and healthy. I had her fully vet-checked before she went to stud and she was promounced 'A1 fit'. The only thing I can think of is that she does have an occasional 'sneeze'; she has always had this and it really is just a sneeze - she is never unwell, depressed, has runny eyes etc.. She was fit through her pregnancy. I did have her checked out because of the sneezing when she was about 6 months old, and the vet confirmed it was 'not cat flu, just a sneeze, nothing really to worry about.' The vet knew I intended to breed her.

I now suspect that this 'sneeze' is a virus that the kittens are now dying from. Can anyone tell me what it is likely to be, and what I should do about it? I really want to breed my queen, but am unsure what to do and don't want the same thing to happen with subsequent litters.

Thanks

[momperson]

I have a cat who was recently diagnosed with feline calici virus. Sneezing is a symptom. My Pogo is ten years old, has always had her vaccinations, and been really well cared for. Three years ago she was diagnosed with stomatitis which is typical of calici victims. I suspect her mother - a homeless stray - passed it on to her before I could get her vaccinated. Also, I understand that the vaccine doesn't give 100% protection.