Feline deficiencies

Understanding key nutritional gaps in cats is essential to prevent serious health issues and ensure lifelong wellbeing

- Simran Sharma

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must be rich in animal-based proteins and certain essential nutrients that they cannot synthesize on their own. Unlike dogs, cats have very specific dietary requirements, and deficiencies in key nutrients can lead to serious health issues. Understanding these common nutritional deficiencies is crucial for any cat owner or caregiver.

Taurine

Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, vital for proper heart function, vision, and reproductive health. Unlike many other animals, cats cannot produce sufficient taurine on their own and must obtain it from animal-based proteins. A deficiency can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition, as well as retinal degeneration, which can result in blindness. Reproductive problems, including stillbirths or low birth weight in kittens, are also associated with taurine deficiency. Commercial cat foods are typically supplemented with taurine, but homemade diets that are not carefully balanced can be a significant risk.

Vitamin A