What is Taurine & Why is Taurine Important for Your Cat’s Health?

Written in consultation with Dr Claire Stevens, Registered Veterinarian.

A natural cat diet

Loath it or not, cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are specifically designed to thrive on a meat-based diet. This means kittens and cats require a higher protein diet to receive a vital nutrient called taurine, which is predominantly found in animal tissue.

Unlike their wild cat family who obtain taurine through their natural diet, the domestic house cat isn't encouraged to go out and hunt so they generally can't synthesise enough taurine themselves and must obtain it through their pet food diet. Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a critical role in your cat's overall health and wellbeing. Without it, cats can experience health issues, with the most extreme cases of taurine deficiency, leading to retinal degeneration which can, sadly, lead to irreversible blindness. 

That's why every cat owner needs to be mindful of this essential nutrient when choosing a cat food for their beloved Flossy. Because taurine is largely derived from animal tissues, it’s important to look for pet foods that contain proteins like chicken, fish, and organ meats.

"All cats require taurine as part of their daily diet. A complete and balanced cat food that contains high-quality, animal-based protein will supply the adequate level of taurine for a normal, healthy cat." - Dr. Claire, Paw Pantry Vet

So, let's explore why taurine is so important for your kitten or cat and how you can ensure they get enough of it.

Health Benefits of Taurine for Your Cat

Cats of all ages require taurine in their diet. However, it’s particularly important for kittens, and pregnant or nursing cats to receive it to help top up their nutrients as they grow and create new kitten life!

It’s good to know that because taurine is water-soluble, any excess is naturally flushed out of your cat’s system through urine, so there's no risk of your cat having too much.

Here are the key reasons why taurine is so important in your cat’s diet:

1. Vision: Taurine helps protect the retina, the part of the eye that converts light into signals for the brain. Cats with a taurine deficiency can suffer from retinal degeneration, which can ultimately lead to blindness.

   
   
   

2. Heart Health: Without enough taurine, your cat may develop a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a form of heart disease that can be life-threatening. In DCM, the heart becomes enlarged and unable to pump blood effectively, which can lead to heart failure. Regular intake of taurine helps keep your cat’s heart muscles strong and healthy.

   
   
   

3. Reproductive Health: Taurine plays a particularly vital role in reproductive health. It is important that pregnant cats receive enough taurine as it supports proper foetal development to ensure kittens are born healthy and strong.
   
   
   

Sources of Taurine for a Cat’s Diet

Don’t make the risky shortcut of feeding dog food to Mr Mittens the kitten.

"I cannot stress enough; dog food does not meet the nutritional taurine requirement for cats, it won’t deliver this important dietary need for your cat." - Dr. Claire, Paw Pantry Vet.

Here are some top things to look for in a cat food to ensure you’re feeding your kitten or cat a diet rich in taurine:

1. Animal-Based Proteins: Taurine is found in high concentration in animal-based proteins like chicken, fish, and organ meats (such as liver and heart). If a meat based protein is listed as the first ingredient, this cat food will provide a natural and rich source of taurine and should be a staple in your cat's diet. A meat meal is also suitable, this is the raw animal protein dried and milled to support the kibble making process.

   
   
   

2. Added Taurine: In addition to real meat, a cat food that specifically lists taurine as an individual ingredient is great. Taurine is a requirement of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), so any dry or wet food product labelled as approved by the AAFCO should contain the minimum requirements of taurine in dry and wet food.

   
   
   

3. Mix it Up: Taurine levels can vary across different types of cat foods. Wet cat foods generally contain higher taurine levels as it is predominantly meat based. Because of this, wet cat foods like pâtés align closer to your cat’s natural diet, making them more palatable and enjoyable for your kitten or cat.

When choosing food for your cat, consider their specific taste and texture needs and preferences and always check ingredients to ensure they’re getting adequate taurine.

"A healthy cat that eats high-quality cat food appropriate to its life stage does not require supplementation." - Dr. Claire, Paw Pantry Vet.

Taurine Deficiency in Cats: Signs & Symptoms

Because taurine is an essential part of your cat's diet, a deficiency can have serious health implications. Here are some of the signs and symptoms to watch out for:

• Vision Problems: One of the earliest signs of taurine deficiency is vision problems, particularly night blindness or trouble seeing in low light. Over time, this can progress to complete blindness due to retinal degeneration.

  
  
  

• Heart Problems: Taurine deficiency can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a potentially fatal heart condition that weakens the heart muscle and affects its ability to pump blood effectively.

  
  
  

• Lethargy and Weakness: If DCM is at play, your cat can become lethargic and show signs of general weakness, sleep a lot more than usual, or seem disinterested in activities they used to enjoy like play and eating.
  
  
  

• Reproductive Issues: Female cats with low taurine levels can experience fertility problems or complications during pregnancy, and their kittens may be born weak or with developmental issues.

"If you are ever concerned about your cat’s eyesight or heart health, always speak with your vet as soon as possible." - Dr. Claire, Paw Pantry Vet.

The sooner your vet can assess any concerns, they can check your cat’s taurine levels, and if required, recommend dietary adjustments as early as possible to help.

Taurine is an essential nutrient for cats that supports everything from a healthy heart and sharp eyesight to overall wellbeing. By choosing a high-quality diet that includes taurine, you’re not just feeding your cat — you’re helping them thrive.

To keep your cat in top shape, check out the Paw Pantry cat food range including Hypro Premium and Pure Life today! With the appropriate amounts of taurine in every serve, your feline friend receives nothing less but the best!