Taurine deficiency in cats is associated with which cardiac disease?

• A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• B. Valvular disease
• C. Pericardial effusion
• D. DCM

Answer: (D)

Taurine is essential for feline heart muscle function. When cats are taurine deficient, the heart’s ability to contract is impaired and the ventricles dilate, leading to a dilated form of cardiomyopathy with systolic dysfunction. This pattern—dilated heart chambers with reduced contractility—is the classic association with taurine deficiency. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy involves thickened heart walls rather than dilation, and pericardial effusion or valvular disease describe other heart problems not specifically linked to taurine shortage. Notably, dietary taurine supplementation can often reverse the cardiomyopathy if addressed early, highlighting the direct nutritional link to this specific heart condition.