What is taurine and why is it so important?

Your cat has the skill of a hunter. No doubt, you have seen your pet intently stalk and attack toys on a regular basis. All this instinct comes from your cat’s ancestors, who were the perfect carnivores.

But being perfect carnivores has its downsides. There are certain nutrients that cats can’t make for themselves and that they can only get through meat. The most important of these nutrients is taurine.

What is taurine?
Taurine is an amino acid¬—that is, a vital building block of protein. Whereas humans and dogs can manufacture taurine themselves from other proteins, cats can’t. And cats can’t store taurine in their bodies either. They must get a regular supply of taurine through every meal.

Why is taurine important?
Taurine plays a vital role in vision, digestion, immunity, pregnancy, fetal development and heart function. The most serious consequence of taurine deficiency in cats is a severe, potentially fatal heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy.

How do I make sure my cat has enough taurine?
The good news is that all commercial diets approved by the Association for American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for cats meet standards for taurine supplementation. So if you are currently feeding your cat an approved diet, you don’t need to do anything else to make sure that they are properly supplemented.

However, cats fed a non-AAFCO–approved food may have problems with taurine deficiency, as there is no guarantee that the taurine levels in the food are sufficient.
 
Likewise, cats who eat a food meant for a different species (e.g., dog food) will definitely become taurine deficient. So if your cat likes to chomp on your dog’s food rather than their own, it is best to break that habit as soon as possible and find a way to keep the dog food out of reach.

Home-cooked diets can lack proper taurine levels as well. Always consult your veterinarian or a certified veterinary nutritionist before starting a home-cooked diet to ensure that it is properly balanced and supplemented for all the nutrients your cat needs. 

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