Taurine Deficiency In Cats and How To Take Care Of It
Every cat owner needs to know the importance of taurine in their cat’s diet. Philip Piletic helps Pet Problems Solved understand…
If you have ever taken a closer look at the small prints on a bag or a can of your pet’s favorite food, you’ve probably noticed that taurine is stacked in the list of ingredients. Taurine is an amino acid that helps in keeping your pet healthy and prevents a wide spectrum of serious health problems. In general cats, dogs and humans have pretty similar nutritional needs. Most of the basic minerals, amino acids, and nutrients that are crucial for humans are also essential for our feline and dog friends.
What do amino acids do?
Amino acids are essential in helping the body’s cells to create proteins needed for the proper functioning of every part of the human and cat body. The acids help in various metabolic processes and play a crucial role in the transportation and storage of nutrients.
Although many amino acids are created by the body, some can only be acquired through food. Amino acids that need to be acquired through diet are known as “essential” amino acids. Although humans and dogs can synthesize taurine from different amino acids, felines cannot. If they don’t receive enough of this essential amino acid in their daily nutrition, their well-being eventually will begin to decline. Pregnant cats especially need Taurine for the kittens to grow and develop optimally.
How do taurine deficiencies occur?
Consuming a diet that doesn’t contain taurine is the leading cause of the deficiency. Cats that consume domestic or vegan food are most prone to developing health problems related to lack of taurine. Be sure to look into taurine rich foods for cats to ensure that your cat is always nourished with all the essential nutrients.
How are cats affected due to lack of taurine?
A taurine deficiency in cats can cause many problems:
– Dilated Cardiomyopathy. This is a condition that causes the heart to increase in size, affecting the ability to pump blood effectively. Cats affected by dilated cardiomyopathy can also develop heart failures as a result of these issues.
– Blindness. A lack of taurine can cause damage to photoreceptor cells inside the retina. Once lost these cells can’t be replaced.
– Tooth Decay. Taurine helps the cat’s teeth to stay strong and vital. Lacking taurine can cause the cavity to occur.
– Reproductive issues. Lack of taurine can create some reproductive problems for felines.
-Diabetes. Taurine aids the body in regulating blood sugar. Pets can develop diabetes without the appropriate amount of taurine.
– Lethargy. Fatigue can also be one of the major issues caused by a lack of taurine.
Diagnosis of taurine deficiencies
Taurine deficiency in cats will most often be a hard diagnosis to make on its own. Your vet will need a detailed medical history and a recounting of the progression of any symptoms. Of particular importance, will be a full breakdown of your cat’s diet. If you nourish your pet with commercial cat food, bringing the bag or ingredient list will be useful.
Next, your vet will run a full blood panel and analysis of the urine. This will involve collecting a sample of blood from your feline friend in a painless and swift blood draw procedure. Since taurine deficiency often will not cause higher levels that would appear, previously mentioned tests will generally help to rule out any conditions with similar symptoms.
Different diagnostic tests will depend on the symptoms your cat is portraying. Your vet can perform a detailed eye examination to look out for retinal damages and degeneration. The retina requires large amounts of taurine to function optimally and low levels will create visible damages. If dilated cardiomyopathy is suspected, x-rays will help to diagnose the condition or rule out more serious heart defects or damages.
To conclude
Having regular visits to your vet and providing your cat with high-quality food is key to your pet’s good health. Sticking to these steps can cement the fact that your cat doesn’t get affected by the devastating effects lack of taurine may cause.
About the author
Philip Piletic is a marketing consultant and guest author at several authority websites.
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