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Cats affected by the deficiency may appear tired and listless. Your pet may develop diabetes without sufficient amounts of taurine. Taurine helps the body regulate blood sugar. As a result, your pet might not be able to fight off viruses as easily as healthy cats and may suffer from frequent illnesses. Without enough taurine, your cat's immune system may not function optimally. Lack of taurine may also affect your furry friend's coat and lead to hair loss. Without enough taurine, your pet may develop diarrhea and digestion issues. Gastrointestinal Problems: Taurine helps the body produce bile salts needed for fat digestion.Kittens born to mothers with taurine deficiencies may face growth problems and might be more likely to experience bone fractures. Cats that don't receive enough taurine may be unable to have kittens.
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When it's in short supply, cavities are more likely to occur. Taurine helps your cat's teeth stay strong and healthy.
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Unfortunately, once these cells are lost, they can't be replaced. A taurine deficiency can cause degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Cats affected by dilated cardiomyopathy may also develop congestive heart failure as a result of pumping issues. The condition causes the heart to enlarge, affecting its ability to pump blood effectively. How Are Cats Affected If They Don't Receive Enough Taurine?Ī taurine deficiency can cause many problems in cats, including: If they don't receive enough of this essential amino acid in their food, their health will eventually begin to decline. Although people and dogs can synthesize taurine from other amino acids, cats cannot. Amino acids that must be obtained through diet alone are known as "essential" amino acids. The acids aid in the metabolic process and play an important role in the transportation and storage of nutrients.Īlthough many amino acids are produced by the body, some can only be obtained through food. Taurine is an amino acid that helps keep your pet healthy and prevents a variety of serious health problems.Īmino acids help the body's cells create proteins needed for the proper functioning of every part of the human and feline body. If you've ever taken a close look at the small print on a bag or can of cat food, you've probably noticed that taurine is among the list of ingredients. Taurine: The Amino Acid Essential to Your Cat's Health
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