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A strong immune system in cats – the best protection against diseases
Do you suspect that your cat's immune system is weakened? Symptoms such as recurring colds or fungal infections can indicate this. Just like with humans, the immune system of cats can be weakened for various reasons. Obesity, too little rest and sleep, nutrient deficiencies, but also injuries, illnesses and taking medication are just a few factors that can have a negative effect on our pets' immune systems. Old cats in particular, whose immune systems are generally weaker, and kittens whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, can therefore really use support. But healthy cats also benefit from various supplementary foods that strengthen the immune system.
Would you like to know how your cat's immune system works, what weakens the immune system, what consequences this can have, how you can strengthen your cat's immune system and which vaccinations are important? Then you should read on now.
How does the cat's immune system work
The cat's immune system serves as a protective shield against bacteria and viruses and is based on a complex interaction between various body cells, messenger substances, tissues and organs. Humans and animals alike come into contact with a variety of pathogens every day. Our immune system keeps most of them in check. Two different defense systems can be distinguished from one another:
- The nonspecific defense
The first level of the immune system consists of the so-called anatomical barrier made up of skin, mucous membranes, hair, gastric acid and ciliated epithelium. The skin is the largest protective organ that prevents pathogens from directly penetrating the body. If a pathogen manages to enter the body despite the barrier (for example, through a wound), it encounters phagocytes that fight everything that is classified as foreign and threatening. They surround the invader and break it down without distinguishing between pathogen types (non-specific defense). - The specific defense
In contrast to non-specific defense, the cat's organism is also capable of analyzing pathogens. It determines the type of pathogen and can fight it with targeted measures. Thanks to its immunological memory, the organism remembers the pathogen and the strategy for fighting it. The principle of "intelligent immune defense" also underlies vaccinations.
The basis for a strong immune system is created in cats shortly after birth, as they absorb important antibodies through the mother cat's colostrum. This first basic immunization helps the little kittens to build up a well-functioning immune system. It is equipped with various defense mechanisms that protect the kittens' bodies from bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.
Reasons for a weakened immune system in cats
A weakened immune system makes it easier for pathogens to
What factors can affect the immune system?
weaken your cat?
Age: As your pet ages, the immune system ages - not all processes run as smoothly as they did when they were younger. Age-related illnesses such as arthritis place a strain on the immune system, making it easy for unwanted invaders such as viruses and bacteria to invade.
Illness, injury/operation and other physical reactions (e.g. to medication): Incorrect food, allergies, diarrhea, vomiting - all physical reactions that strain the organism weaken the immune system. Please always seek medical advice in such cases! Chronic illnesses (e.g. of the kidneys), injuries or inflammations also place a great deal of strain on the immune system. Intestinal parasites are particularly harmful to young cats.
Stress: Stress hormones significantly impair the immune system. Sensitive cats usually react fearfully to changes. The most stressful situations for our furry friends include: moving, changes in the household (new roommates), territorial fights, traveling, going to the vet.
Weather: The organism regulates the body temperature, which puts a great strain on the circulatory system in extreme temperatures.
Outdoor cats are affected.
Shedding: The heavy strain on the metabolism weakens the immune system.
Obesity: Has a negative impact on various metabolic processes – including the immune system.
Lack of exercise: Promotes poor blood circulation, which slows down the transport of messengers and defense substances.
Poor nutrition (nutrient deficiency): If the body lacks vital substances, this disrupts various control circuits, inhibits cell production and natural barriers (skin/intestinal wall) become more permeable to pathogens. Unhealthy feed can overload the organs or be metabolized into waste products that must be removed.
Other factors:
- Poor intestinal flora
- Too little rest/sleep
What are the consequences of a weak immune system in cats?
A weakened immune system makes it easier for pathogens to penetrate
the organism. Some cats, for example, suffer more often than
otherwise from gastrointestinal problems, colds, infections or allergies.
Parasites such as mites, lice or worms now also have an easy
Play and can harm your cat.
What is an allergy?
If your cat’s body reacts with an extreme defensive reaction when it comes into contact with an otherwise harmless substance, this indicates a
Overreaction of the immune system (allergy). Such
Misinterpretations of the immune system can occur when inflammation in an intestinal disease damages the intestinal wall.
The result: Insufficiently digested food components pass from the intestine into the blood (leaky gut syndrome). Proteins that are not broken down sufficiently are often classified as intruders and fought against. The immune system "remembers" these intruders, which means that even after the illness has healed and the intestinal barrier is intact again, defensive reactions to the corresponding proteins can occur - this is how a food allergy develops.
The solution: Stabilize and retrain the intestinal flora.
Tips for a strong immune system
With a few easy-to-implement tips, you can strengthen your cat's immune system:
- Regular exercise in the fresh air is the miracle weapon for an intact immune system. You can also make this possible for indoor cats by providing secure access to the balcony or garden. Plan at least 30 minutes of play time per day for your indoor cat.
- Extensive recovery phases: Cats sleep up to 17 hours a day – provide your furry friend with a protected place to retreat.
- Balanced diet: Make sure your cat gets all the necessary nutrients in sufficient quantities. Seek medical advice to ensure your pet is fed the best possible diet.
- Avoid stress: This includes providing cat-friendly furnishings, suitable toilets, feeding areas, places to retreat and warm places to lie down, and offering the cat company and variety.
- Careful parasite prophylaxis
- Regular preventive examinations
- Support during coat change (brushing, regular coat care)
The intestine plays a crucial role in the immune system. With the right amount and type of bacteria, the cat's digestive system is optimally balanced, which also promotes the immune system. Changes in diet or illnesses can disrupt this balance and be responsible for digestive disorders.
A healthy intestinal flora, on the other hand, ensures that pathogens are reluctant to settle and thus cannot weaken the immune system. Therefore, coordinated support is often helpful in activating beneficial intestinal bacteria. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) can stimulate the formation of positive intestinal bacteria and thus promote effective digestion, feed utilization and well-being.
vaccination calendar for your cat
You can protect your cat from many infectious diseases with regular vaccinations. Dangerous diseases such as feline distemper are rarely diagnosed thanks to the positive vaccination behavior of owners. This disease has a life-threatening course in kittens with a mortality rate of 75%.
Do you know which vaccinations are useful for your cat?
Your first port of call should be the veterinary practice when it comes to making a decision for or against vaccination. Vaccination is necessary - the veterinarian should advise on the frequency. It is fundamentally important that your cat is worm-free and healthy when vaccinated.
Basic immunization:
- 8th - 9th week: cat plague, cat flu, leukosis, chlamydia
- 12th - 13th week: cat plague, cat flu, leukosis, rabies, chlamydia
- 26th - 20th week: FIP
- 20th - 24th week: FIP
- After one year: cat plague, cat flu, leukemia, rabies, FIP, chlamydia
By the way: You should also have indoor cats vaccinated against rabies.
You should remember this
You should remember this
Dr.Clauder's for a strong immune system
Vulnerability, lack of vitality, lack of joy in life. These are problems that make life difficult for many cats. They can often be countered with targeted nutritional supplements.
Food emergency? The nutrition hotline helps
If you have any questions about animal nutrition, we will be happy to help you. Call us during our service hours or send us an email with your request:
- Telephone: 0800 / 474 476 0
- Email: hotline@dr-clauder.com
These are our service times:
- Monday and Wednesday 3 - 9 pm
- Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Friday 3 - 7 pm
- Sunday 3 - 5 pm (every 1st Sunday of the month)
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