Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Taurine is an essential amino acid for which animal?

1. Dogs

2. Cats

3. Ferrets

4. Rabbits

The correct answer is: Cats

Taurine is recognized as an essential amino acid for cats because it plays a critical role in various physiological functions, including bile salt formation, vision, cardiovascular health, and reproductive performance. Unlike dogs and some other mammals, cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient quantities from other amino acids. Therefore, it must be included in their diet to prevent deficiencies that can lead to serious health issues, such as dilated cardiomyopathy and retinal degeneration. In contrast, dogs can produce adequate amounts of taurine from other sulfur-containing amino acids, making it non-essential for them. Similarly, ferrets have some capacity to synthesize taurine, and rabbits have an entirely different dietary requirement that does not include taurine as an essential amino acid. Hence, cats are distinct in their nutritional need for taurine, affirming that this amino acid is essential specifically for them.