Companion Animals

Cat Immune System and Stress Welfare

Chronic psychosocial stress in cats impairs immune function, increasing susceptibility to infectious disease, cancer and idiopathic conditions, with significant welfare implications.

Key Facts

Cortisol elevation from chronic stress suppresses cellular immunity in cats
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) reactivates from latency during stress, causing recurrent respiratory symptoms
Stress-induced immune suppression increases cancer risk and reduces vaccine efficacy
Sources of chronic stress include inter-cat conflict, under-stimulation and environmental change
Identifying and reducing stress sources prevents immune-related welfare problems downstream

Welfare Considerations

The link between chronic stress and immune dysfunction in cats means that addressing psychosocial welfare has direct implications for physical health. Environmental and social management is preventive medicine.

What You Can Do

Identify and reduce sources of chronic stress in your cat's environment
Provide adequate hiding spaces, vertical territory and play opportunities for all cats
Discuss stress-related health conditions with your vet to identify underlying environmental triggers