Taurine is one of the most crucial amino acids needed in the body of cats for mediating cellular functions. Taurine is biosynthesized in the cat’s body. However, the rate at which it is synthesized is never up to the mark with the rate at which it is utilized in the body of cats. The particular amino acid is found in the central nervous system, heart, skeletal muscles and retina of the cats. The site of taurine synthesis in the cat's body is the liver, which is absorbed into the blood from the small intestine. It also plays a vital role in various psychological processes in cats.
Why is Taurine Important for Your Cat?
You might wonder what is so special about Taurine for cats and why it is crucial for the functioning of a cat’s body. Well, the answer is - taurine has multiple uses. Let us have a quick look at them:
- Sustaining the proper health and functioning of the cardiac muscles
- To support the functioning and development of the neurons of the central nervous system
- For binding bile acids
- Maintaining the proper function of the photoreceptor cells in the retina
- For a better immunity system that will help them fight infections
Though Taurine for cats is biosynthesized in their body, they also need an external supply of this amino acid through their diet. But in case they have an inadequacy of taurine intake, cats develop a disease called Feline Taurine Deficiency Syndrome. It is most commonly observed in cats who depend on a vegetarian diet. Cats might also suffer from taurine deficiency due to inadequate synthesis in their body. Though cat foods these days have Taurine supplements infused in them, the deficiency can be severe at times. The result of taurine deficiency in food leads to several heart ailments in cats the most common being weakened heart muscles. The secondary deficiency symptoms are low reproductive performance, poor growth and blindness.
Symptoms and Results of Taurine Deficiency in Cats
As a pet parent, you can spot certain symptoms of Taurine deficiency.
Cardiac Ailments
Taurine is crucial for the regular functioning of the cat’s heart. Any abnormality in the taurine level in the cat’s body may lead to severe consequences like dilated cardiomyopathy. This is a fatal condition and might lead to the death of the cat if left untreated in the long run.
Blindness
As already discussed, insufficient taurine leads to improper functioning of the retinal cells. Impaired vision resulting from taurine deficiency ultimately leads to blindness.
Stunted Growth
Inadequate taurine in a feline diet can also lead to stunted growth. This reduction in growth adversely affects all aspects of the cat’s life in the long run.
Reduced Reproductive Performance
Poor reproductive performance in cats is also an outcome of taurine deficiency in cats. Other than taurine heart benefits, it also improves the fertility and reproductive stamina of cats.
Following is the list of first-line visible symptoms that might indicate taurine deficiency in your cats:
- Weakness and persistent lethargy throughout the day
- Reproductive failure and ailments
- Blindness
- Repeated infections and increased vulnerability to immune failures
- Difficulty in breathing
- Poor quality of the coat
If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is time to check for the taurine content in their food followed by a visit to the vet.
Taurine in Cat’s Diet
When dealing with Taurine deficiency in cats, it is crucial to focus on their diet. If your cat takes in high-quality protein in the form of animal protein in their food, they will hardly face any taurine deficiency. The primary source of natural taurine is animal protein. So, taurine deficiency is hardly observed for cats who depend on well-balanced natural food consisting of animal protein. However, for cats who rely solely on packaged food, there is a need for additional taurine in their food.
Dry cat food that has low animal protein content is specifically infused with taurine for cats to make it rich in nutritional content. Wet cat food is also supplemented with taurine and often twice the amount as in dry cat food. This is done to ensure that the cat can absorb enough taurine into their blood from the wet cat food.
While checking the ingredients list on wet or dry cat food, check for the animal protein content in it. Because the ingredient list will only reflect the additional biochemical taurine that is added to the food and not the animal protein in it that is already rich in taurine content, you need to be super careful.
How to Keep Your Cat Away from Taurine Deficiency?
If you are a pet parent, who wants their furry babies to thrive on a naturally rich taurine diet, ensure that they are feeding on a nutritionally enriched and balanced diet. Animal protein should be a staple for your cats (if they are not vegan). You can also consult your vet for information regarding the ideal amount of taurine that your cat should consume. The taurine requirement often varies depending on the body mass, age, breed and activity level of the cats. If the daily balanced diet of the cat is unable to meet their taurine demands, then you have to rely on cat food.
Here are some of the best brands that manufacture the best cat food that is nutritionally balanced to offer an optimum amount of taurine for cats:
- Hills
- Royal Canine
- Eukanuba
- Purina
More than just pets, cats are family and it is vital to cater to their unique nutritional demands. Choose the right diet for your cat to help them have an adequate supply of taurine. Also, focus more on feeding them with the right kind and quantity of home-cooked food. Though taurine is a micronutrient, it helps your cat lead a happy and vibrant life. So, it is time we understand its importance and make the best dietary choices for your feline companion.
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