Oh oh..another cat with calicivirus?

[waitingwithhope]

Our older cat now seems depressed and is hardly eating (or drinking). I tried to coax him to eat wet food tonight and he turned his nose at it. I believe he probably has the calicivirus since my kitty had it (most likely from her shelter foster home). Our kitty is well on the mend- after anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and sub-Q fluids. We're keeping the cats separate (despite their meowing to see each other). The older cat seems downright depressed he can't be with the younger cat (who he seems to already love), so I am not sure if it is that (and if I should continue to keep them separate) or if I have noticed a bit of the upper respiratory symptoms (a bit of red eyes). The kitty didn't have this when we took her to the vet, just severe lethargy and refusal to eat, drink and was limping (she is fine now). I'd love to take our older fattie to the vet (he's pretty obese despite good quality food) but he balks and is so upset at any car trip, that we try to avoid it. Is it possible the calicivirus will run its course in an older cat? I did try and feed him water by syringe tonight and he clawed and bit at us trying to help him! (he's a very grumpy boy & always has been-we love him-but he's a grump:) Any ideas? Should we wait it out with him (he is not limping). I did manage to get him to eat a couple of bites of wet food and then he walked away (odd for the guy who LOVES to eat!)

[fanachan]

I forgot to mention that at this point, separating your cats will most likely do good. Calicivirus is, well, a virus. Its spread by sneezing, touching eyes, nose, mouth etc. Its been floating around your house for quite awhile now, plus you can carry the virus on your hands and clothing.

As for communicability, I can't recall if once they've had a particular virus, they become immune to it, the way people do,

[nancyjac]

fanachan is right in that dehydration is usually the most serious and life threatening problem when a cat refuses to eat or drink.  Have you had both cats vaccinated for the virus?  If not, they are likely to just keep passing it back and forth between the two of them.  Even separating them is no guarantee of keeping them well if they aren't vaccinated.  

[fanachan]

You don't say how old your older cat is. As they get older, its more difficult for them to throw off serious infections. The absolutely most important thing to do is to keep him hydrated. Small animals can die from dehydration alone. As for his eating, try baby food. Its palatable to them, easy for them to just lap up and it smells good. Also, there used to be a product called Nutrical (don't know if its still available) which contained all sorts of vitamins and nutrients. You just put a small amount in his mouth or on his lips.

To give water by dropper or syringe, put it gently in the corner of his mouth, allowing him to swallow. He may not like being held tightly. If he gets really frightened to the point if your getting hurt, trying wrapping him up in a towel.

Hope this helps.