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Taurine is an important component to all IAMS™ cat foods, such as IAMS ProActive Health™ Adult Original with Chicken.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that is critical for normal heart muscle function, vision, and reproduction in kittens. It is also needed to form the bile salts that aid in digestion. Unlike other amino acids, taurine is found as a free amino acid in body tissues such as the heart and eyes and is not incorporated into proteins
Most mammals manufacture taurine from other amino acids. However, cats cannot manufacture enough and, therefore, must acquire enough additional taurine through diet to meet their needs. In pet food, taurine is naturally found in animal-based protein ingredients and can also be added separately.
Taurine helps in maintaining normal vision, heart muscle function, digestion, normal pregnancy and fetal development, and a healthy immune system. Taurine for cats can only be found in animal-derived proteins.
Taurine can be made by dogs from two other amino acids: cysteine and methionine. As a result, it isn't regarded necessary in their diet. But since taurine is an important ingredient, you can add it to your pet’s diet due to its numerous health benefits.
Taurine criteria for commercial dog food have yet to be established. If you are worried that your dog may have inadequate taurine or if you need guidance on how much taurine to include in your dog's diet, it is best to consult your veterinarian.
It is vital to include taurine in your cat’s food because cats cannot synthesize it. If your cat's food has too little taurine, it will become taurine deficient, which can lead to a range of major health concerns. For example, taurine could cause your cat’s retinas to degenerate and make your pet go blind. Further, this lack of taurine can stifle growth and make it difficult for you cat to reproduce.
Therefore, the minimum taurine requirement for adult cats in commercial pet food is 25mg/100 kcal for dry food and 50mg/100 kcal for canned foods, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials Publication, 2018. However, because taurine requirements vary from one cat to the next, it's always a good idea to check with your vet if you're concerned that your pet isn't getting enough.
IAMS dry cat foods also include taurine as an ingredient to supplement the primary source of this amino acid, which is animal-based protein from sources such as chicken, egg, lamb, and fish. However, these sources can vary in their taurine content, and adding more taurine is a sound approach to ensure optimal taurine levels.Ü
Health benefits of Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid found in muscles, the heart, the brain, and the retina, among other tissues and organs. Unlike most amino acids, taurine does not form cell proteins but has a variety of other functions. Here are some taurine benefits for cats:
Taurine deficiency can cause serious health problems for your cat over time because it is required for many regular metabolic functions. Some of the issues include:
IAMS cat foods are formulated with high-quality, animal-based proteins as their primary ingredient. In addition, they are supplemented with extra taurine to ensure balanced levels of essential amino acids.
IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Adult with Chicken and Salmon are one of the best foods to feed your cat. This nutrient-dense cat food is available in chicken and salmon flavors. These food ingredients act as the first ingredient to promote a healthy body for play. It also contains natural fiber and prebiotics, which help your cat's digestion. What’s more is that it helps your cat develop strong muscles with rich amounts of protein and provides a complete and balanced diet with no fillers.
Taurine has no significant side effects and is well-tolerated by cats when added correctly. The only side effect reported is minor vomiting which is lessened by providing a supplement with food.
In the late 1980s, taurine was discovered to be an essential component of a cat's diet. Since then, all cat foods have been enriched with plenty of taurine to suit their individual demands.
A high number of cats given unfortified commercial foods suffer from taurine insufficiency. Because cats can't absorb all of the taurine in processed foods and/or can't synthesis the difference between absorption and demand, taurine is considered an essential amino acid for cats.
You've just got a new, adorable kitten, and its curiosity and playful nature fill your home with joy. However, one fine day, you notice that your little feline friend is a bit off its game. It seems to be in discomfort and eats barely anything. Moreover, you haven't seen anything in its litter box for a while. Could it be kitten constipation?
Just like in humans, kitten constipation is a condition where your kitten might find it difficult to have a bowel movement. In some cases, this discomfort can be severe and life-threatening, especially if left untreated for more than 48 hours.
While different kittens may present different symptoms, here are some commonly observed kitten constipation symptoms:
Lack of feces production: If your kitten hasn't produced any feces for 24-48 hours, it may be a sign of constipation.
Straining to defecate: Your kitten seems to be struggling in the litter box but produces nothing or very small, hard pieces of feces.
Loss of appetite: Your kitten isn't eating as much as it used to.
Lethargy: The usually playful and curious kitten is spending more time sleeping and seems less interested in activities.
Bloating or vomiting: If your kitten's tummy seems bloated, or it is vomiting, it could be due to constipation.
Kitten constipation can occur due to a variety of factors, such as:
Dehydration: Just like in humans, lack of sufficient water intake can lead to constipation in kittens.
Ingestion of indigestible items: Kittens love to play, but if they end up swallowing items like ribbons or hair ties, it could lead to a blockage in their digestive system.
Lack of defecation stimulation: Unweaned kittens require stimulation to defecate. If this isn't done, they might get constipated.
Intestinal parasites: Heavy parasitic infections in the intestines can also cause constipation.
Neurological or other diseases: Certain neurological conditions or diseases affecting the hindquarters can lead to constipation in kittens.
Now that we've covered what kitten constipation is, let's dive into how we can help our little furry pals.
In a case where your kitten is still active and eating, some home remedies can help alleviate their discomfort. However, if the kitten constipation symptoms persist, or if your kitten becomes less active and stops eating, it's time to seek veterinary assistance.
At the vet, treatments may include fluid injections, enemas, or x-rays to check for blockages. In severe cases, the vet may perform procedures to manually remove the blocked feces or even surgery.
Your kitten's health and comfort are paramount. If you spot the initial signs of constipation, there are some home remedies you can try before visiting the vet:
Keep your kitten hydrated: Hydration is crucial in preventing constipation. Make sure your kitten always has access to fresh water. If your kitten is fond of dry food, consider adding some water to it to increase their fluid intake.
Add fiber to your kitten's diet: A little bit of fiber can work wonders for constipation. Consider adding a spoonful of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) to your kitten's food for a kitten constipation remedy. Moreover, you can incorporate IAMS Proactive Health Mother and Kitten food in your pet’s day-to-day meals to ensure sufficient fiber intake. This kitten food also contains FOS natural prebiotic to improve gut health and digestion.
Get your kitten moving: Just like in humans, physical activity can help stimulate bowel movements in kittens. Engage your kitten in fun, physical activities to keep them active.
Continue observing your kitten: Monitor your kitten closely. If the symptoms worsen or persist for more than a day, it's time to call the vet.
Recovery from kitten constipation is generally swift once the obstruction is removed, but it's crucial to address the underlying cause to prevent recurrence. Follow your vet's instructions to the letter, which may include finishing a prescribed medication course and maintaining regular deworming and fecal checks.
Remember, our adorable little kittens rely on us for their well-being. Being proactive in understanding kitten constipation symptoms and causes can help ensure your kitten stays happy, healthy, and ready to explore the exciting world around them.
Don't hesitate to reach out to a vet if you're unsure. With a little love, care, and the right kitten constipation remedy, your kitten will be back to their playful, cuddly self in no time.
