Taurine for cats - where is it found and should it be added?

Information about Taurine and its importance for proper development appears very often - most often it is mentioned in the context of cats. This is a constant ingredient in their feed. But what is Taurin really? Why does cats need him so much? Where to get it?

What is Taurin?

Taurin is an amino acid. However, unlike most other amino acids, it is not combined into long chains - thus, various proteins necessary for the proper functioning of the body are produced from the remaining amino acids.

Taurine is different - it does not form chains and can be found in many tissues of the body. It takes part in the digestive processes, since without its help bile salts would not be formed.

Many people also associate Taurin with an ingredient in energy drinks - this is what people turn to when they want to support muscle regeneration and improve cognitive functions. It is especially recommended for people with physical activity above average and in need of restoration of forces. However, this is important not only for people - this is very important for cats.

Taurin for a cat

Taurin is extremely important for cats. Cats, unlike other mammals, are not able to independently produce Taurin in quantities sufficient for their needs. Their body is able to produce only the trace of Taurin, and cats are very necessary. Without it, they cannot function normally and develop correctly.

In cats, the process of developing even a small amount of Taurin differs - it should leave cysteine. For this reason, if Taurin does not make sure that the pet appears in the pets, the cat will be completely devoid of him over time.

Symptoms of Taurin deficiency

Taurin's deficit is a very dangerous phenomenon that can cause a number of problems and deviations in your pet. The disadvantage of a sufficient amount of this amino acid in the body of a cat can lead to a serious heart disease - dilatation cardiomyopathy. This disease lies in the thinning of the wall of the heart, which leads to serious consequences. This is a dangerous disease for cats of all ages, but especially often it occurs in elderly animals. Why still need Taurin?

In cats deprived of Taurin, the ability to absorb the fat that they needs for life and normal functioning is violated. After all, it is from fat that cats receive their energy, although the basis of their diet should be protein. The lack of Taurin can also lead to degenerative changes in the retina - unfortunately, these changes are irreversible and can lead to complete loss of vision in your pet. However, this is not the end - what else does Taurin affect? The properties of this amino acid also have a certain effect on the number of cats in the litter.

Taurin's deficiency can even lead to miscarriage. It also affects kittens - its deficiency can inhibit their proper development and survival. Often such kittens are born weak and less than normal.

A cat, in the body of which Taurin does not have enough, also has a weakened immune system, which is why it is easier to get sick. It can also be nervous and aggressive.

How to provide my cat Taurin?

You already know how important Taurin is for your pet. Another thing that you need to know is where it happens. Since cats cannot cope with its prey on their own, they need help. There is pure taurine for cats - it is often recommended as an additive when the cat already experiences a deficit or when it does not receive it in the right amount with food. You can also provide your cat with taurin thanks to the correctly compiled and balanced diet. Where can you find it?

Environment

For street or freely walking cats, the mouse are the best and most valuable source of Taurin. That is why they like cats so much. Nature made them ideal prey for these animals. They are small, so the pet can eat them entirely and not spoil anything, and at the same time they are full of Taurin. However, the encounter of this amino acid in nature is not limited to mouse meat. You will also find it in other types of meat, especially in raw meat. The process of heat treatment significantly reduces the content of taurin.

Taurin in food products

Nevertheless, you do not need to radically change the diet of a cat - you can also find Taurin in high -quality commercial feeds. This applies to both dry and wet feed. Cat Taurin is contained in every stern for cats of good quality, so you should not give them food for dogs. With this ingredient, they are much poorer - they cope with its prey on their own.

Taurin for a cat - summary

Your pet needs it for life and proper development, at every stage of his life - starting from the moment he is still in his mother’s stomach - this is how important Taurin is for a cat. The dosage of this substance is very important - it cannot be too little. This can lead to deformities in kittens, serious heart disease or complete loss of vision.

Nevertheless, you do not need to worry about giving the cat too much Taurin. For adult cats, there are no maximum doses that you can give your pet. Some restrictions concern only kittens.