Does your cat squint at the light or bump into walls? Food that is advertised as “premium” and “natural” may be to blame.
Veterinarians are sounding the alarm: dozens of cats are losing their sight due to a lack of taurine in their diet. Find out which brands are dangerous and how to protect your pet.
Why do cats go blind?
Taurine is an amino acid that cats cannot synthesize on their own. Its deficiency destroys the retina, leading to irreversible blindness in 6-12 months.
Where is taurine found:
- Meat (beef, chicken, turkey).
- Fish (salmon, tuna).
- Special additives in quality feeds.
Manufacturers of cheap feeds replace meat with grains and offal, reducing the proportion of taurine.
Top 3 Dangerous Ingredients in Pet Food
1. Wheat and corn. They fill the volume, but do not provide taurine. Cats are carnivores, their gastrointestinal tract does not digest grains.
2. Meat and bone meal. Does not contain sufficient amino acids.
3. Artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT). Toxic for the liver, impair the absorption of nutrients.
How to recognize dangerous food?
1. Ingredients. The first 3 positions should be meat (e.g. "chicken 35%"). Avoid the wording "meat and offal".
2. Taurine standards. In dry food - minimum 0.1%, in wet food - 0.2%.
3. Certifications: Look for AAFCO or FEDIAF marks on the packaging.
Symptoms of taurine deficiency:
- Corneal opacity.
- Frequent rubbing of eyes with paws.
- Loss of orientation in the dark.
- Dilated pupils even in bright light.
Advice: if you notice signs, immediately take a blood test for taurine. Early diagnosis saves vision.
How to choose safe food?
1. Consult with your veterinarian. He will select a diet based on your pet's age and health.
2. Read reviews. Forums and independent ratings (such as All About Cats) help identify risky brands.
3. Add natural meat. Give your pet boiled chicken or beef 2-3 times a week.
Conclusions
Blindness due to food is not a myth, but a real threat. Check the packaging right now. If the composition does not clearly indicate meat and taurine, throw it away. The health of the pet is more important than dubious savings.
Author: Dmitry Bobrov
