What are the Best Taurine Supplements for Cats?
- Best Overall Taurine for Cats: PetAg Taurine Tablets Highly Palatable for Cats
PetAg Taurine Tablets are easy-to-administer flavorless tablets; your cat won’t know she just had her supplement. - Best Vitamin-Enriched Taurine for Cats: Pet Naturals Daily Multivitamin for Cats with Taurine, Biotin, and Arginine
This taurine supplement contains vitamins A and D3 for skin health and biotin for healthy hair and nails. - Best Vegan Taurine for Cats: Best Naturals 100% Pure Taurine Powder Free Form
This product does not contain allergens or other harmful ingredients that can cause side effects when taken as directed. - Best Gel-Like Taurine for Cats: Vétoquinol Felovite II with Taurine Supplements
This gel has an irresistible fish flavor; it is recommended for cats of all ages as it is extremely easy to use. - Best Nutrient-Dense Taurine for Cats: Rx Vitamins Mineral Powder with Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, & Taurine for Cats
Enriched with vitamins and minerals, this taurine supplement supports fetal development and helps with several health issues. - Best Taurine Supplement for Picky Eaters: Tomlyn Felovite with Amino Acid Gel Nutritional Taurine Supplements
This taurine supplement for cats features a delicious chicken flavor that even picky eating cats find irresistible. - Best Organic Taurine for Cats: Fera Pet Organics Cardiac Support Taurine Supplements
This premium quality, organic supplement is specially formulated to promote cardiovascular health in dogs and cats. - Best Taurine Supplement for Energy: Herbsmith Taurine Supplements Cardiac and Heart Support
This supplement contains L-carnitine, which helps convert fatty acids into energy for your dog or cat’s muscles.
What Is Taurine for Cats?
Taurine for cats is a supplement containing the essential amino acid taurine.
Taurine is specifically found in animal-based foods and is vital for heart function, healthy immune system, strong vision, and digestion. In pregnant cats, it also supports fetal development.
Unlike humans and other mammals, cats cannot make taurine from other amino acids. Therefore, if their food lacks taurine, they develop health issues. This is where taurine for cats supplements kick in.
What does Taurine do for Cats?
Taurine is an essential nutrient for healthy cats. It is important for various functions in the cat’s body – from carbohydrate & fat metabolism to reducing inflammation and promoting energy.
Here is a closer look at the benefits of taurine for cats:
- Heart Health. Taurine deficiency results in heart disease or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Eventually, the condition can cause heart failure and have fatal consequences.
- Immune System. Taurine is critical for overall health by supporting the immune system. Low immunity increases the risk of infections with common pathogens, like bacteria & viruses.
- Vision. Taurine supports vision, and its deficiency can damage the photoreceptors cells in the cat’s retina. Once these cells are damaged, they cannot repair, and blindness is likely to occur.
- Digestion. Taurine promotes the production of bile salts which are essential for digesting fats. Without adequate levels of taurine, cats can develop digestion issues and diarrhea.
- Reproductive Health. Taurine is vital for reproduction. Kittens from taurine deficient mothers have low birth weights and growth issues. They are also more prone to bone fractures.
Do Cats Need Taurine Every Day?
Yes, cats need taurine daily. Cats require a diet that contains sufficient amounts of taurine for optimal health and wellness. If the pet food lacks taurine, they are prone to a variety of health issues and abnormalities.
How Much Taurine is Safe for Cats?
Cats need 10 mg of taurine per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight per day. According to these guidelines, a 15-pound cat would need 150 mg of taurine daily.
However, the exact supplementing dose depends on the cat’s diet. For example, most wet cat foods are rich in taurine, and cats eating them do not require taurine supplements, while dry cat food is more likely to lack adequate taurine levels.
The Best Taurine Supplements for Cats Reviewed
We reviewed 8 of the best taurine supplements for cats. Take a look at these products to find the best taurine for cats.
Summary: PetAg’s Taurine Tablets are highly palatable and easy to administer. Each tablet contains 250 mg of taurine, enough to meet your cats’ recommended daily allowance (RDA). PetAg’s Taurine Tablets can be given daily as a supplement or added to your cat’s food once or twice a week, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation.
Using a measuring spoon when adding these tablets to your cat’s food is recommended to ensure the correct amount is given daily. PetAg’s Taurine Tablets contain no artificial colors or flavors, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor cats. These tablets are also free of wheat, gluten, and milk derivatives.
Best for: Cats of All Ages adult cats, kittens, etc.
Flavor Options: Flavorless
- Small and easy to administer
- Easy to open and consume
- No bitter aftertaste
- Completely safe for all cats, regardless of age or breed
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Smaller tablets may be hard for some cats to swallow
Ingredient Analysis: The chews contain dried whey, brewers dried yeast, taurine, hydrolyzed soy protein, and magnesium stearate.
Review: With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, cat parents love PetAg Taurine Tablets for Cat. This is a great product for any feline friend. The reviews are extremely positive, with many people saying that their cats love this supplement and will eat it right up. Many also reported that their cats were very healthy and energetic after taking these tablets.
Summary: Pet Naturals multivitamin is a great way to ensure that your cat is getting optimal levels of vitamins and minerals they need. These chews provide a comprehensive vitamin formula that includes Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, and more.
They also contain taurine, which helps support healthy eyesight and good cardiac function. These chews are flavored to be given to cats as a treat or as part of their daily diet. They also contain omega fatty acids, which help to promote healthy skin and coat.
These chews are made in the USA with all-natural ingredients, so you know they are safe for your pet. They do not contain animal by-products, artificial flavors, or colors, so you can feel good about providing them to your cat daily.
Best for: Cats of all ages
Flavor Options: Chicken
- Comes in chewable tablets
- Flavored, your cat will love it
- It contains biotin and arginine for cats’ overall health
- 30 servings per container
- Easy to open package
- Some cats do not like this flavor
Ingredient Analysis: The supplement contains brewer’s dried yeast, natural flavor, coconut oil, calcium carbonate, taurine, vitamin A acetate, choline chloride, vitamin E supplement, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin D3 supplement
Review: Pet owners love these chewable tablets. They say their cats love the taste, and it’s easy to administer. The capsules are small, easy to swallow, and easy for cats to digest. One reviewer says she has been feeding her cat Naturals for years and that it helps support her cat’s general health and wellness.
Summary: Best Naturals has been a trusted name in vitamins and supplements for more than 25 years. They have maintained a commitment to providing the highest quality products with the greatest value to their customers.
This product is vegan and gluten-free, so it’s safe for cats with allergies or food restrictions. It’s also dairy-free, so it won’t cause bloating or stomach discomfort like other products.
The formula contains no artificial colors, fillers, or flavors. It’s also free of preservatives and other harmful substances that can irritate your cats.
Best for: Cats of all ages
Flavor Options: Flavorless
- Human grade ingredients
- Gluten-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Non-GMO certified
- Free of additives and preservatives
- No significant cons
Ingredient Analysis: Taurine is the only active ingredient in this formula.
Review: With 4.6 out of 5 stars, cat lovers love this taurine supplement. They say it is the best product for their cats and recommend it to others. Some have used this product on their cats for years and have no negative side effects. They also note that the price is very affordable and believe it is worth every penny.
Summary: Felovite II with Taurine is a supplement for cat and dog food. This product contains vitamin E, taurine, and zinc, which are important for pet health. Felovite II can help support healthy skin and coat, eyesight, immune system function, and digestion in your pets.
It is an easy-to-use gel that can be applied directly on your kitty’s nose or paw for easy administration. This supplement can also be mixed into food or water anytime during the day to ensure your pet receives adequate nutrition.
Best for: Cats & kittens of all ages
Flavor Options: Fish Flavor
- All-natural formula
- High concentration of taurine
- It contains omega fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins
- The packaging is convenient and easy to use
- Easy to administer
- Available in only one size of 2.5oz
Ingredient Analysis: The supplement contains cane molasses, water, condensed fish solubles, glucose, malt syrup, soybean oil, dicalcium phosphate, taurine, choline bitartrate, sodium acetate, vitamin A palmitate, manganese sulfate, biotin, folic acid, vitamin D oil, and vitamin B12.
Review: Cat parents love this taurine gel; they say it helps their cats’ coats look shinier and healthier. The gel has a pleasant scent and is easy to apply. One reviewer said that her cat loves the taste and will lick it off her finger while she’s applying it. The taurine gel has very appealing flavors that make it perfect for cats who are finicky or sensitive to certain smells.
Summary: Rx Vitamins Feline Minerals is a mineral powder supplement made from natural sources to help maintain your cat’s overall health and well-being. This product contains all the vitamins and minerals your cat needs for a healthy diet. It also helps to promote healthy teeth and gum tissue. The added taurine will support heart health and the immune system. This product is safe for use in pregnant or nursing cats.
Rx Vitamins Feline Minerals comes in a convenient 8-ounce container that can be opened easily by hand or scissors. The powder should be mixed with food or water once daily at mealtime, depending on your pet’s preference.
Best for: Cats of all ages
Flavor Options: Flavorless
- All natural formula with no taste or smell
- Can be sprinkled on the cat’s food or mixed into water
- Improves oral and immune system health
- No added sugar or salt
- Extremely easy to dose and use
- The cover needs to be opened with care to avoid spillage
Ingredient Analysis: The product features calcium, magnesium, potassium, chromium, L-taurine, iron, strontium, phosphorus, sodium, and manganese.
Review: Cat parents love Rx Vitamins Feline Minerals; they say it’s the best cat supplement for commercial cat food because it contains all the essential minerals, vitamins, and amino acids for complete cat nutrition.
Summary: This is a veterinarian-recommended product to help your pet fight the effects of aging. This gel contains taurine, which plays an important role in cats’ eyes, heart muscle, and blood vessels.
It also has other nutrients such as zinc and vitamin B6, which help maintain a healthy immune system. The gel can be used during pregnancy and lactation and applied as a top dressing in the food bowl or added to canned food.
Best for: Cats of all ages
Flavor Options: Fish
- Nutrient-dense and delicious
- Vitamin A & E for healthy skin and coat
- It helps with itching and scratching
- No need for refrigeration
- Easy to administer
- Only available in a single flavor
Ingredient Analysis: The supplement contains ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, sodium chloride, niacin supplement, dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, taurine, choline bitartrate, sodium acetate, corn syrup, malt syrup, fish oil, soybean oil, and dicalcium phosphate.
Review: With a global rating of 4.4 stars out of 5, cat parents love this product. It provides the essential nutrients that kittens need during their first year of life, including taurine and L-carnitine.
Summary: Cardiac health is critical for pets. For this reason, FERA has formulated a unique blend of ingredients that support heart health and circulation. This formula contains taurine, l-carnitine, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), three essential nutrients that support heart health and circulation.
They also contain organic hawthorn berry extract, which has been shown to help improve cardiac function. The formula also includes vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Best for: Cats of all ages
Flavor Options: Salmon
- Contains coenzyme Q10
- Easy to administer
- It helps improve heart function
- Perfect for dogs and cats
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Only available online
Ingredient Analysis: The ingredient list has vitamin E, organic Hawthorne berry, coenzyme Q10, taurine, and L-carnitine tartrate.
Review: With 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, cat parents love this supplement. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive and rave about how well it worked in their pets. This formula is meant to help improve your pet’s heart function and blood circulation. The ingredients include taurine, L-carnitine, and coQ10, as well as hawthorn berry extract. The supplement also contains vitamin E, essential for promoting cardiovascular health.
Summary: Herbsmith Taurine Boost is a proprietary blend of herbs that supports the heart and cardiovascular system. It contains taurine, an essential amino acid that helps support healthy cardiovascular function.
The herbs in this formula include hawthorn berries, which have been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health; l-carnitine, an amino acid that helps metabolize fat; and ginger root, which has been shown to improve circulation.
Herbsmith Taurine Boost is formulated using time-honored herbal traditions to support a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.
Best for: Cats of all life stages
Flavor Options: N/A
- Promotes energy and muscle function
- Herbal formulation for a healthy cardiovascular system
- Easy to administer and very palatable
- No artificial colors or fillers
- Safe for pregnant animals
- It doesn’t contain any minerals or vitamins
Ingredient Analysis: This taurine supplement contains L-carnitine, taurine, omega fatty acids (EPA & DHA), and coenzyme Q10.
Review: Pet parents love Herbsmith Taurine Boost; they say it’s safe, effective, and easy to use. They love the results and how easy it is for them to give their pets the support they need. The product is made in the USA with natural ingredients. It contains no artificial flavors or colors.
What Should I Look for in Taurine Supplements for Cats?
When shopping for high-quality taurine for cats, you need to consider several factors:
- Ingredient List. Once you know that your cat needs a supplement, look at the ingredients list. You want to find a product that contains your main ingredient: taurine (or L-taurine) and maybe other beneficial ingredients. Some brands add other ingredients such as vitamins, methionine, cysteine, and minerals that may help your cat’s overall health.
- Bio-availability. The bioavailability of an amino acid refers to how well the body absorbs it after consumption. In general, supplements with higher doses of taurine are more effective than those with lower doses (around 500mg per day). However, some brands have achieved excellent results using smaller doses of taurine (250mg per day).
- No Fillers and Additives. When choosing a taurine supplement, it’s essential to know what other ingredients are added to the formula. You’ll want to avoid products that contain sugar or artificial sweeteners like sucralose. Also, avoid products containing other fillers like corn starch or magnesium stearate (a common emulsifier). If your cat has allergies or food sensitivities, it’s best to choose a product that contains no grains or fillers.
- Formula Type. There are several taurine formulas, including liquids, chewable treats, and pills. So if your cat won’t eat chewable treats or pills, go for gels or liquid drops and add some drops to his food instead.
What Is a Good Source of Taurine for Cats?
Good sources of taurine for cats are:
- Fish. Fish is loaded with taurine, with salmon and tuna being especially rich in taurine.
- Beef. Beef is an excellent source of taurine, and meat from grass-fed cattle contains higher taurine levels than feedlot beef.
- Eggs. Eggs from free-range chickens have more taurine than eggs from hens raised in cages or confined spaces.
What Are the Symptoms of Taurine Deficiency for Cats?
The signs of taurine deficiency in cats include:
- Lethargy (tiredness) and overall weakness
- Feline central retinal degeneration followed by blindness
- Weak heart muscles and dilated cardiomyopathy
- Digestion issues. low appetite, and diarrhea
- Fetal abnormalities, small litter sizes, and low birth weights
Can Cats Overdose on Taurine?
No, cats cannot overdose on taurine.
According to NASC, “taurine is very safe, and there have not been any reports of toxicity from cats eating too much taurine.”
However, it is advisable to consult with your vet before supplementing, although most taurine for cats supplements are available over-the-counter.