Cats are unique animals, and have different nutritional needs compared to other pets. One such nutrient that is crucial for feline health is taurine. Taurine is an amino acid that is essential for a cat’s overall wellbeing, and plays a critical role in maintaining healthy heart, vision, and reproductive function. It is only found in animal protein. And cats – as opposed to dogs – cannot synthesize this amino acid internally, and thus must ingest it through the diet. Only in the last 60 years was the importance of taurine in cat food discovered.
History
The history of taurine in cat food can be traced back to the 1920s, when researchers began studying the role of various nutrients in feline health. It was around this time that the first commercial cat foods were being introduced, but these early products did not always contain adequate levels of essential nutrients, including taurine.
In the 1970s, a group of researchers in Australia made a groundbreaking discovery: taurine deficiency was found to be the cause of a condition called feline central retinal degeneration (FCRD), which can lead to blindness in cats. Additionally, in the 1980’s feline taurine deficiency was also linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM – which can have multiple causes). This is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and weakened, leading to heart failure. These discoveries led to a deeper understanding of the importance of taurine in feline health, and prompted pet food manufacturers to quickly start adding taurine to their products.
| Cat insurance from From | Dog insurance from | Coverage | Contribution | Own risk | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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€8.46 | €12.11 | €3.250 — €6.000 | 10% — 50% | €0 — €150 per year |
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€14.05 | €17.77 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | €30 — €50 per year |
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€12.16 | €17.42 | €3.000 — €5.000 | 20% — 50% | €0 — €250 per year |
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€13.27 | €20,14 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | none | View |
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€13.86 | €14.67 | €2.500 — €5.000 | 20% | none | View |
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€10.56 | €13.14 | €3.500 | 25% | €25 per claim |
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Present Day
Since then, taurine has become a staple ingredient in nearly all commercial cat foods. In fact, most pet food manufacturers now formulate their products to meet or exceed the minimum taurine requirements set forth by organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
It’s important to note that while taurine is an essential nutrient for cats, too much can be harmful. High levels of taurine have been associated with gastrointestinal upset and even heart problems in some cats. Therefore, it’s important to follow the feeding guidelines on your cat’s food label. Maybe even consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat’s diet or health.
In conclusion, the history of taurine in cat food is a testament to the importance of scientifically understanding and meeting the unique nutritional needs of our feline friends. Remember: cats are not just small dogs! Thanks to the efforts of researchers and pet food manufacturers, cats today can enjoy a diet that is specifically formulated to support their overall health and wellbeing.
Have any other questions about your feline friend? Schedule an instant video consultation with our qualified veterinarians and get tailored advice from the comfort of your home – today.