Taurine is an amino acid, i.e. one of the basic components of proteins, which are somewhat the 'building blocks' of the body.

Almost all animals, including man and dog, are capable of producing it, but not the cat. Although the cat is capable of producing small amounts, these are not sufficient for its survival, which is why taurine must be supplemented with taurine from the diet.

The cat needs to take taurine because it becomes part of a number of cat body development processes, including the synthesis of bile acids, the development of myocardial tissue and the development of nervous tissue, including the retina.