Taurine Deficiency in Cats

Hello, normally carnivorous cats do not experience such a deficiency as their natural meat and fish diet contains high amounts of taurine. However, the plant kingdom is essentially devoid of taurine and is low in sulfur amino acids. Thus, the problem arises when commercial diets are formulated with seeds and grains. This is a major problem, especially in cats fed grain-based cat food.

Taurine deficiency can develop as a result of cats being fed an inappropriate diet. It can cause serious health problems. Recognizing the problem early and correcting the diet will allow most cats to recover quickly.

What is Taurine?

Taurine is a type of amino acid that is the building blocks of proteins. It has a wide variety of functions in the body. It is an essential amino acid in cats. Cats cannot synthesize taurine as they synthesize other amino acids in the body. For this, they need to be taken as supplements from outside. Fortunately, all Felicia wet and dry foods are specially prepared, so the need for taurine is met. Also, taurine is not stored in large amounts in the body and therefore needs to be consumed regularly.

Why Do Cats Need Taurine?

Taurine is essential for proper heart function, vision, hearing and reproductive, neurological, digestive and immune system health. A taurine deficiency in cats can cause serious heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy), in which the heart muscle becomes thin and weak. This sick heart can cause blood to be pumped to the lungs and cause congestive heart failure. Taurine deficiency can also cause degeneration of retinal cells at the back of the eye. This can lead to visual impairment and blindness. It can also cause birth anomalies. It can cause digestive system disorders, tooth decay, central nervous system CNS dysfunctions and immune system disorders. From here, we clearly understand how important taurine is for cats.

In Which Foods Is Taurine Found?

Taurine is only found in animal proteins. The highest levels are found in meat, fish and seafood, while lower levels are found in eggs and dairy products. Plant foods (fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, and grains) do not contain taurine. For this reason, vegan or vegetarian diets are not suitable for cats. Heat treatment of foods and meat can reduce the taurine content to varying levels. All dry and wet foods should contain sufficient taurine. Also, dog foods are not suitable for cats as they do not contain taurine.

How Can I Tell If My Cat Has Taurine Deficiency?

You may suspect a taurine deficiency, especially in cats fed a vegetarian or vegan diet or dog food. Ensuring that homemade diets contain enough taurine can also be difficult.

There are no symptoms specific to direct taurine deficiency. However, cats can show signs that lead to heart disease, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, slowness of movement and difficulty breathing. If retinal degeneration occurs, this causes visual impairment. You may notice your cat bumping into something or moving slower, hesitant or clumsy when jumping up or down, or making more noises. Their personalities may change and they may become more nervous, withdrawn or insecure. As I mentioned earlier, cats can have stillbirths or miscarriages, and newborn cats can have vulnerabilities. Growth retardation or birth anomalies may be seen.

How Do We Diagnose and Treat Taurine Deficiency?

Your veterinarian may suspect a taurine deficiency based on your cat’s nutritional history. If your cat is usually diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy on a cardiac EKG, this may raise suspicion of taurine deficiency. Evidence of retinal degeneration detected in eye examination may also raise suspicion.

Your veterinarian may take a blood sample from which taurine levels can be measured. However, this test may not give accurate results most of the time. If there has been recent muscle damage or if the cat has recently eaten, the sample will be processed inappropriately.

Treatment is usually provided by feeding a diet containing appropriate levels of taurine. An additional supplement of taurine, available in various forms, may be needed. Sometimes longer supplementation may be necessary. Additional medications for dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure may also be considered.

How Can I Prevent Taurine Deficiency in My Cat?

The best and easiest way to prevent taurine deficiency is to feed an appropriate amount of wet and dry food.