Calicivirus- any experience or knowledge appreciated!

[MySerenity]

I am considering adopting a pet with calicivirus which affects its gums right now.

I am so confused by what I am reading online. Is this a serious illness. Some website refer to it being a short-term respiratory virus than can cause mouth ulcers etc. But others refer to it being lifelong. Is this a recurrent disease then? Or do they have an initial illness, but can then be contagious?

We have no other cats- do if its the latter then we don't mind and will keep it indoor only.
I just want to know what to expect if we do go ahead.

Any experience or advice would be appreciated!

One if the permanent residents of the rescue I got my girls from has it. She lives in a house with about 10 other cats. I don't think it affects her too much. She's very dribbly when sitting on me.but not sure if that's a related. I'll ask them for you.

Cats with latent calicivirus can range from having mild symptoms such as occasional runny eyes and nose to having really severe symptoms including very aggressive stomatitis/ gingivitis. Some of the cats with severe symptoms benefit from total teeth extractions others do not. Many require lifelong treatment.
It is really important that you understand the potential treatment costs of a chronic/latently affected with FCV.

In answer to the actual disease profession some cats have FCV and never have further problems others develop a latent infection and have recurring problems.
There are a large number of strains of FCV and there is huge difference in virulence between strains and there for range of symptoms.
There is also now 'super calici' in which the cats are very, very ill.

I see. Would a vet be able to tell if the disease has become latent/chronic- or do you just not know until symptoms crop up recurrently. I am guessing that the reason the shelter has disclosed and mentioned sore gums is that it is latent...
Ok a lot to think about then.
Thanks for the information.