![]() Taurine deficiencies are easy to avoid by feeding your cat good quality commercial cat food. While these symptoms are very slow to progress, if untreated Taurine deficiency can lead to permanent blindness and possibly death due to heart failure. Other symptoms include lethargy and an unhealthy skin and coat. Digestive upset due to impaired bile production can occur, but because GI upset is a common symptom of other conditions it does not necessarily point to Taurine deficiency. The cat will develop cardiomyopathy as the heart muscles become compromised. If a cat does not get enough Taurine the cells in the cat’s retinas will slowly degrade and the quality of the cat’s vision will degrade. Deficiencies in Taurine are not easily recognizable. The cat’s body will metabolize Taurine quickly so it is imperative that they get it in their food daily. Because cats are carnivores, they should be consuming fresh animal meat in their food daily, which should provide good levels of Taurine. Pregnant cats especially require Taurine for the kittens to develop and grow properly. Taurine is required for healthy function of the eyes, gastro-intestinal tract, heart, and immune system. Cats, however, cannot synthesize Taurine from other food ingredients and must get it from their diet. ![]() Taurine is an amino acid that humans and dogs can produce within their own bodies from other amino acids. Most of the basic vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids that are essential for humans are also essential for cats, but that is not always the case. In general, cats, dogs and humans have very similar nutritional needs. ![]()
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