A stray cat isn't just exposed to the cold or hunger: its immune system is in a state of constant stress . Without shelter to rest, recover, and protect itself from the elements, its body becomes exhausted. As a result, it becomes vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, parasites… and can no longer defend itself.
Here's what happens biologically in the body of a homeless stray cat – and why a simple Miawi shelter can reverse that process.
1. Constant stress weakens its natural defenses
A stray cat must:
- Looking for a place to sleep each night,
- Finding food,
- To protect oneself from the cold, from predators, from danger.
This constant stress triggers the production of cortisol , the stress hormone. But when it is continuously elevated:
- It weakens the immune system.
- It slows down the production of white blood cells,
- It makes the cat vulnerable to infections.
According to a European veterinary study, a cat in a state of chronic stress can see its immune defenses decrease by 50%.
2. Cold and dampness cause internal inflammation
A cat that sleeps on the ground or in the rain suffers thermal shocks that exhaust its body.
Consequences :
- Mild but repeated hypothermia
- Inflammation of the respiratory tract,
- Coryza, bronchitis or pneumonia.
Without shelter, a cat cannot dry off or retain its body heat, which prevents its immune system from functioning properly.
An isolated shelter like those in Miawi allows the body to maintain a stable temperature, essential for proper immune function.
3. Fatigue prevents the body from defending itself
A stray cat sleeps on average in micro-naps of 5 to 15 minutes , because it is constantly on alert.
Without deep sleep:
- The brain does not regulate hormones.
- The immune system doesn't have time to regenerate.
- Defense cells are not produced in sufficient quantities.
A cat with access to a secure shelter can triple its restorative sleep time.
4. Malnutrition weakens the immune system.
Without shelter, a cat has to travel long distances to hunt or search for scraps. This burns more calories than it consumes.
Result :
- Loss of muscle mass,
- Protein and vitamin deficiencies,
- Decreased antibody production.
Installing a shelter near a feeding area allows the cat to conserve energy and strengthen its immunity.
5. With shelter, the immune system naturally rebuilds itself
Thanks to a space where it can rest and stay dry:
- Stress decreases.
- Sleep becomes restorative.
- The immune system is recovering,
- The cat becomes more resistant to diseases.
According to field observations, a cat with access to outdoor shelter has a 70% greater chance of naturally recovering from minor infections.
Conclusion: Shelter is a form of natural therapy
The immune system is key to a stray cat's survival. Without shelter, it deteriorates day by day.
But with a safe haven, his body regenerates, he regains his strength and his dignity.
With Miawi, we want to offer every cat the minimum environment necessary for life: a roof to rest its body… and rebuild its defenses.
Protecting a cat's immunity is protecting its life.
