Why Taurine Matters for Cats
If you’ve ever glanced at the ingredients in your cat’s food and spotted taurine, you might’ve wondered what it actually does, and whether it’s really that important.
Spoiler: it is.
What Is Taurine?
Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat’s health. Unlike dogs or humans, cats can’t produce enough taurine on their own. That means they need to get it from their diet — every single day.
Without enough taurine, cats can develop serious health issues, including:
- Vision loss
- Heart disease (specifically dilated cardiomyopathy)
- Weakened immune function
- Reproductive and developmental issues
This isn’t just theory — taurine deficiency was only discovered in cats in the 1980s, and it quickly became clear just how vital it is.
Natural Sources of Taurine
Taurine is naturally found in animal-based proteins, particularly in organ meats like:
- Chicken hearts
- Liver
- Seafood (especially shellfish)
That’s why a plant-based diet isn’t suitable for cats — they simply can’t get enough taurine from non-animal sources.
Not Just a Trend — It’s Essential
Whether your cat is young and energetic or ageing and more vulnerable, taurine is essential at every life stage. Supplementing their diet with taurine-rich treats like chicken hearts can be a simple, effective way to support their overall health — especially for picky eaters or raw-fed cats.
📚 External Resources on Taurine and Cat Health:
VCA Animal Hospitals – Taurine in cats and what deficiency looks like
🔗 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/taurine-in-cats
Royal Canin Ireland – Why Taurine Is So Important for Cats and Dogs
An overview of taurine’s role in feline health, including its impact on vision, heart function, and reproduction.
🔗 https://www.royalcanin.com/ie/about-us/our-nutritional-approach/why-taurine-is-so-important-for-cats-and-dogs
The London Cat Clinic – Essential Feline Nutrition
Discusses the critical nutrients cats require, highlighting taurine's role in vision and heart-muscle function.
🔗 https://www.thelondoncatclinic.co.uk/news/essential-feline-nutrition/
AniForte UK – Why Is Taurine So Important for Your Cat?
Explores taurine's significance, potential deficiency symptoms, and the importance of adequate dietary intake.
🔗 https://www.aniforte.co.uk/blogs/news/why-is-taurine-so-important-for-your-cat