What You Need To Know About Cats And Immunity To Keep Them Healthy

by Michelle at Vet Organics March 28, 2019 cat health cat immunity ecoimmune

Immune systems aren’t something discussed very often, but even though we all get sick from time to time, immune systems are incredibly hard-working and efficient. This system is so efficient, in fact, that unlike other systems like skeletal and reproductive, the immune system is pretty similar across species. The main goal of an immune response is to defend the body against a harmful foreign substance. For our feline friends, having a healthy immune system means they have a significantly reduced risk for health conditions threaten those nine lives they’ve got.

EcoImmune is a powerful immune system support supplement for cats and dogs. Made with the best all-natural ingredients, EcoImmune is the answer if your feline friend is fighting infection, dealing with allergies, or suffering from chronic health problems. With a money-back guarantee, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Give EcoImmune a try, and see the difference for yourself.

What You Need To Know About Cats And Immunity | Vet Organics

Immune System 101

A substance that triggers an immune response is referred to as an “antigen.” Examples include dust, pollen, viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells. In cats, as with dogs and humans, the immune system has three mechanisms of defense against antigens.

Mechanical/physical barriers. The skin, cornea, and membranes that line certain organs, including the stomach, intestines, and urethra, serve as kitty’s first line of defense against attacks by foreign bodies. Enzymes produced by organs and the natural microflora that thrive in many parts of the body also help the immune system destroy invaders.

Innate/non-specific immunity. This is the immunity kitty is born with that attacks all foreign substances in more or less the same way, usually through an inflammatory response. When there is an invading organism, white blood cells rush to the affected tissue to destroy it, which causes inflammation in the area. Fever is another form of non-specific immunity, raising the body’s temperature to kill off invaders, particularly viruses and harmful bacteria.

Adaptive/specific immunity. Kitty acquires this immunity as necessary, meaning when the immune system adapts its mode of defense to a particular antigen during initial exposure. In the process, it also learns and stores the mechanism in its memory so that when the body is exposed to the same antigen, the immune system launches the same form of attack. An excellent example of adaptive, specific immunity is vaccinations. A vaccine is actually an inert or inactive form of a virus that is introduced to the immune system so that the body can recognize that virus the future and can develop a defense mechanism.

What You Need To Know About Cats And Immunity | Vet Organics

Immunity Stressors

Poor nutrition. A well-functioning immune system is closely associated with optimal nutrition, and this is mostly because around 70% of kitty’s immune cells are found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and partly because proper nutrition means kitty is absorbing the nutrients necessary for immune health. Additionally, certain cat formulas, dry formulas, in particular, are not only low in essential nutrients but also contain ingredients that cause a constant state of inflammation in the gut. The inflammatory response can cause enough GI stress that leads to improper nutrient absorption which, in turn, eventually causes malnutrition, suppressed immune function, and higher susceptibility to disease.

Environment and stress. Kitty’s environment can be cause for physiological and emotional stresses, and stress is a well-known immune system suppressor. A stressed cat may develop hypersensitivity to certain substances or conditions - a typical immune response which can lead to more physical and emotional distress, if occurring regularly. Stress can also affect kitty’s appetite and mood and can cause stomach upsets and poor skin conditions, all of which can alter her immune function.

Weight problems. Excess fats in the body also trigger an increased inflammatory response which is known to be the cause of many diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and arthritis. Likewise, lack of play and exercise means that kitty is not able to release her energy and is lacking adequate stimulation, which can lead to stress, and of course, a compromised immune system.

Antibiotics. These drugs may be necessary to treat certain bacterial infections effectively. Too much use or misuse of antibiotics, however, can actually damage kitty’s immune system. Antibiotics often also kill not only harmful bacteria but the good bacteria that support immune health, among other things. Kitty might also develop antibiotic resistance, which happens when harmful bacteria adapt to antibiotics and can no longer be destroyed by harmful bacteria.

Immunity Boosters

In addition to a healthy and nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, and a stress-free environment, you can also boost kitty’s immune system with vet-approved supplements.

EcoImmune is a powerful immune system support supplement for cats and dogs. Made with the best all-natural ingredients, EcoImmune is the answer if your feline friend is fighting infection, dealing with allergies, or suffering from chronic health problems. With a money-back guarantee, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Give EcoImmune a try, and see the difference for yourself.

Michelle Lievense

Michelle is a writer and ghostwriter, specializing in wellness, sustainability, and global social change. She is particularly fond of serving ethical organizations who contribute to a better life for people and animals through humane and environmentally responsible missions. At Vet Organics, Michelle uses her time as a vet tech, her academic studies in animal science and behavior, and nearly a decade working on a ranch teaching animal husbandry to write on a variety of cat and canine health topics. When she isn't writing, Michelle can be found hiking in the mountains of Colorado with her dogs or snuggled up with a good book and her cats.