Each living organism needs a number of vitamins to fully exist. There is a special amino acid for cats - taurine. What is she like? What is it for? How to give it right? The answers to these and many other questions can be found in this article.
The basic concept and history of origin
In 1827, specialists in a narrow circle were actively studying the bile of a bull. A separate substance, taurine acid, was extracted from it. Within a few days, its significant benefits for any living organism were determined. In almost all individuals, it is synthesized independently from other amino acids. The exception is cats.
What is taurine? By this concept is meant an acid of natural origin. It is mandatory for cats for several reasons:
- It improves retinal development. Visual acuity becomes much better.
- It ensures the normal functioning of the important components of the body: the nervous system, heart and brain.
- Supports the immune system.
Taurine for cats is found in high-quality feeds and natural products. It can be purchased as a dietary supplement.
Vitamin deficiency
If for a long time this vitamin is absent in the cat's body, a number of negative factors may arise. First of all, problems arise from the side of vision. The animal begins to see much worse and is poorly oriented in space. Digestive problems may be noticed. After each meal, as a rule, a gag reflex is actively manifested. Obvious signs are diarrhea or constipation. The most dangerous symptom is heart failure, accompanied by general weakness, drowsiness, and malaise.
If such ailments are observed, then it is worthwhile to immediately introduce vitamins with taurine for cats into the diet. Lack of it can lead to the development of serious diseases. In some cases, it is a harbinger of death.
Features of vitamin intake during pregnancy
Vitamins taurine and biotin for cats in double size are necessary during pregnancy. Its lack leads to the fact that premature and weak kittens may appear. The condition of the female noticeably worsens, she becomes very lethargic, practically does not respond to extraneous factors.
List of products containing taurine
In its pure form, this vitamin is found only in meat and seafood. With any heat treatment, it disappears. There is also taurine in cat food. It is worth carefully studying its composition before purchasing. For example, this substance can be found in the following products:
- "Kitekat."
- "Night Hunter".
- Friskis.
It is recommended to buy liquid food for cats with taurine.
A strong deficiency of this substance cannot be made up in one meal. If the animal has become weakened, it has signs of molting and lack of appetite, then you should contact your veterinarian. The clinic will need to pass the necessary tests, the study of which will confirm or refute the deficiency of taurine.
If necessary, prescribe special active additives. They are sold in specialized pet stores.
Application features
Taurine for cats can be found in two main forms of release: drops and tablets.
The first option is for the treatment of retinal diseases. One drop should be instilled 2-3 times a day. Naturally, the animal will resist, therefore it is recommended to firmly fix its body. The general course of treatment lasts three months. If the problem cannot be fixed during this time, then you can repeat the procedure after a two-week break.
The dosage in tablets is determined by a specialist, depending on the degree of deficiency of this vitamin in the body. Making the cat eat the medicine is almost impossible. It is recommended to add it to food or dilute with a small amount of water.
Feasible side effects
Almost all individuals tolerate this dietary supplement well. In rare cases, side effects appear in the form of an allergic reaction (itching, sneezing, redness) or diarrhea.
Preventative measures
A taurine deficiency in a cat is better to prevent than to treat it for a long time. There are special preventive measures to control its content:
- Do not feed the animal only food. Without fail, various types of meat (turkey, chicken, rabbit meat) should be present in his diet.
- It is not recommended to freeze this natural product in the freezer. Hot and cold processing significantly reduces the content of this vitamin.
- No need to cut it into small pieces, it will also lead to the destruction of nutrients.
It is necessary to provide for the pet the most useful and rich food. Only in this case it will be possible to avoid many diseases, including vitamin deficiency.
Important Tips
Of particular importance is taurine for cats, since this substance cannot be synthesized on its own. It is worth paying attention to several rules for its introduction into the diet:
- This medicine is sold in pharmacies without a prescription. This does not mean that you can buy it and give the animal absolutely for any ailments. The additive can be given only as directed by a specialist, after a comprehensive diagnostic study.
- It is strongly recommended not to skip vitamin intake, as the effectiveness of treatment will noticeably decrease. If this could not be avoided, then in no case should the animal be given at the same time a double dosage of medication to fill this gap.
- You should carefully monitor the pet for several days after taking the supplement. If frequent diarrhea appears, then you should stop taking it. You should consult a specialist for treatment correction.
Cats are the most common pets. They are always affectionate, sweet and kind. Is it possible to allow this lovely creature to suffer from a deficiency of taurine in the body ?!