Editing Kitten (section)

==== Protein ====
Cats are natural carnivores and require high amounts of protein in the diet. Kittens are undergoing growth and require high amounts of protein to provide essential amino acids that enable the growth of tissues and muscles. It is recommended that kittens consume a diet containing approximately 30% protein, on a dry matter basis, for proper growth.

Taurine is an essential amino acid found only in animal tissue; the mother cat cannot produce enough of it for her kittens. As it is an indispensable amino acid, it must be provided exogenously through the diet at 10 mg per kg of bodyweight, each day. Kittens deprived of taurine can experience poor growth and can result in retinal degeneration in cats.