Taurine isn't just an ordinary amino acid - it's a vital nutrient that cats' bodies cannot produce in sufficient quantities, making it an essential nutrient that must be provided daily in their food.
:What is taurine and why it's uniquely important
Taurine (NH₂CH₂CH₂SO₃H) is a sulfur amino acid extracted from animal tissues.
Unsynthesized: The cat's liver's ability to synthesize taurine is very limited compared to its daily needs.
High tissue levels: 50% in the kidneys, 53% in the muscles, 25% in the liver.
Vital functions: Supports vision, heart health, fertility, and immunity.
Amazing fact: 20% of heart disease in cats is linked to taurine deficiency!
Taurine and Eye Health: A Shield Against Blindness
30% of the body's taurine is concentrated in the retina! Its deficiency leads to:
Retinal degeneration: Deterioration of the visual cells (rods and cones), beginning with impaired night vision, then complete blindness within 6–24 months.
Irreversible damage: If treatment is delayed, vision loss is permanent.
:Taurine and the Feline Heart: Preventing Heart Failure
The vital role of taurine in the heart was discovered in the 1980s following the spread of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in cats. Its mechanism of action:
Mineral regulation: Maintains calcium balance across heart cell membranes, ensuring normal muscle contraction.
Taurine therapy: 90% of cases improve when taurine levels are restored.
:Its effects on the digestive system and fertility
Bile production: Taurine is an essential component of bile salts. Without it, fats are not properly digested. → Diarrhea and a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
Reproduction: Its deficiency causes:
Stillbirth or miscarriage in 60% of pregnant women.
Fetal abnormalities and poor growth in offspring.
?How do you ensure your cat gets enough
Choose a "complete" food: Look for the phrase on the package; it guarantees safe levels of taurine.
So we have dedicated to you from the seventh bird:
Majestic dry food for adult cats, a complete and balanced food
klybeck Caviara Dry Food for Kittens with Chicken 1.5kg
Ziwi Peak Dry Cat Food with Beef 1kg
Animal protein first: Make sure meat or fish is the first ingredient on the ingredients list.
So we have dedicated to you from the seventh bird:
Hill's Sterilized Adult Cat Food with Salmon in Gravy 85g
Morando Wet Food for Sterilized Cats with Different Meat and Vegetable Flavors 4*85g
oasy Wet Cat Food Sachet with Tuna and Shrimp 70g
Avoid unfortified homemade foods: Vegetarian or raw diets may lack taurine.
So we have dedicated to you from the seventh bird:
N&D Cod Orange and Oat Dry Cat Food for Adult Cats 1.5kg
Supplements when necessary: Consult your veterinarian before adding taurine powder (such as HSF Biotech products) if the food is insufficient.
So we have dedicated to you from the seventh bird:
GimCat Multi Vitamin with Torino Eyes and Heart for Cats 50g
Toro Plus Cat Treats with Tuna & Crab Enriched with Taurine & Vitamin E 15g×5
Canvit multivitamin food supplement for cats 100g
Common mistakes that impair taurine absorption:
Excessive fiber: reduces intestinal absorption of taurine.
Excess protein: stimulates taurine breakdown and excretion, leading to decreased blood levels.