What is the immune system? Why is it important?
The immune system plays a pivotal role in maintaining your cat’s health. One of the most important functions of this highly complex system of specialized cells and molecules is to protect cats from disease and infection caused by foreign invaders – viruses, bacteria, and a host of other microbes and parasites intent on assaulting the body and causing disease. What does vaccination accomplish? Vaccines are given to prepare the body’s immune system against invasion by a particular disease-causing organism. Vaccines contain antigens which to the immune system “look” like the organism but don’t, ideally, cause disease. When the vaccine is introduced by injection or some other means, the immune system responds by mounting a protective response. When the cat is subsequently exposed to the organism, the immune system is prepared and either prevents infection or reduces the severity of disease. Does my cat need every vaccine available? No. The choice of which vaccines your cat should receive i
