How Strong Is A Cat’s Immune System?


Cats fare well when it comes to the juxtaposition of immunity with dogs, however, they can be certainly victimized by the invasion of viruses and bacteria that impair the immunity of the body. This impairment leads to the development of diseases and weak immune system in cats. Here is a brief description of what exactly happens when a pathogen enters the body, what leads to weak immunity in cats and what symptoms the body manifests when the body loses its vitality and strength to fight with foreign invaders.

What Is Weak Immunity in Cats?

A weakened immune system is the one which is deficient in white blood cells called phagocytes in the body. These phagocytes are essential to the body’s immune system because they carry out a process called phagocytosis. This involves the destruction of foreign antigens through engulfment and digestion by the white blood cells (WBCs). If the numbers of these cells reduce drastically or they do not function properly, this defense mechanism of the body doesn’t work as efficiently as it should, which in turn results into the contamination of the body tissues with pathogens, implicating life-threating consequences. These phagocytes i.e. WBCs are produced in the bone marrow and are distributed to the entire body through the circulatory system.

Causes Of Weak Immune System In Cats

We know weak immune response in the body is caused either due to impaired phagocytes or congenital disorder in which WBCs don’t work properly. We cannot really say much about inherited disorder because it is certainly transferred from the mother to the kittens. However, it is still extremely important to know the viruses and bacteria that lead to such instances in felines. Especially, the ones those are responsible for deteriorated immunity over a period of time, after their birth.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is spread in other cats through the saliva of an infected cat. When an infectious cat bites the other cat, this virus attacks the defense mechanism of the body after transmission and causes infections of digestive, urinary and respiratory tracts besides causing mouth, gum and skin infections. The virus kills the red blood cells and white blood cells of the body thereby decreasing the immunity remarkably. It also causes enlargement of lymph nodes. Though these symptoms fade soon, the overall immunity of the body may decline drastically over a period of time.  

Feline Parvovirus

Feline Parvovirus is an immunity suppressing virulent that attacks the lymphocytes and neutrophils (part of white blood cells) in the immune system which creates a deficiency of WBC count to fight the invasion. This, in turn, makes the body susceptible to bacteria and other viruses.

Feline Leukemia Virus

Feline Leukemia Virus is responsible for 85% deaths in felines and is transmitted through infectious cat bites, blood, saliva, feces or urine. Cats can also contract this virus through their mother’s infected uterus or milk. And surprisingly a healthy-looking cat can also pass this immunity suppressing virus to other cats. Anemia, intestinal inflammation, reproductive disorders, Immune-mediated diseases are some of the common malfunction caused by this virus in the cat’s body.

Symptoms Of Weak Immune System In Cats

As a response to the viral attack on the body, a cat’s defense mechanism causes the onset of symptoms which usually include –
·        Stunted Growth
·        Anorexia
·        Anemia
·        Respiratory Issues
·        Reproductive disorder
·        Poor skin and coat
·        Lethargy
·        Reinfections
·        Intestinal infections
·        Pale Gums
·        Fever Diarrhea
·        Stomatitis


Diagnosis And Treatment of Weak Immune System In Cats

After reviewing the medical history of the cat, a vet may conduct a complete physical examination. The diagnostic procedures for weak immunity in cats also include -
  • RBC and WBC count
  • Urinalysis
  •  Biochemistry

Treatment

There is currently no cure for Feline immunodeficiency or feline leukemia virus. Cats infected with this virus require intensive care and support to deal with the disease as long as they are alive. Some vets may prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobial for bacterial or fungal infections associated with the disease. In cases of Cancer, chemotherapy is provided to elongate the lifespan of the cat.

How Can You Boost Your Cat’s Immune System?

Preventive care given in advance can significantly strengthen the immunity of a cat. So, here are some beneficial steps you must follow –
  • Give a well-balanced diet
  • Use supplements to boost the cat’s immunity
  • Keep the cat flea, tick and worm free by administering preventative monthly pills as diseases can reduce the immunity of a cat remarkably.
  •  Maintain a healthy weight of your cat
  • Reduce stress in your cat as it can cause her to fall sick.




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