Which of the following is an essential amino acid that ferrets and cats must obtain from their diet?

Taurine is an essential amino acid that ferrets and cats need to obtain from their diet because their bodies cannot synthesize it in adequate amounts. This amino acid plays a critical role in various physiological processes, including heart function, vision, and the proper functioning of the immune system. In cats and ferrets, a deficiency in taurine can lead to severe health issues such as cardiomyopathy, retinal degeneration, and reproductive failure. Therefore, it is crucial for pet owners to provide a diet that is rich in taurine to ensure the health and well-being of their ferrets and cats.

While arginine, histidine, and leucine are also important amino acids for overall health and growth, they can be synthesized by the bodies of ferrets and cats under normal circumstances though arginine is semi-essential in other contexts and can also have critical roles in the body’s metabolism. However, taurine remains unique in its necessity for these animals, underscoring the importance of incorporating it into their diets.