Cats require 11 essential amino acids, including taurine, arginine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, and tryptophan, which need to be obtained through their daily diet. Among these, taurine is an especially important nutrient for cats; arginine is involved in protein and nitrogen metabolism; and lysine is an essential component of proteins. Understanding the basic roles of these essential amino acids can help cat owners make more informed choices when selecting cat food and nutritional supplements, while better understanding their cats’ daily nutritional needs.
