Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), a complex disease of the heart muscle that compromises its ability to pump blood, is often silent until it reaches an advanced stage. The disease changes the structure of the pump, interfering with its ability of pumping blood. As DCM progresses, several changes occur within the cardiovascular system, including increased Ventricular Dilation, decreased Cardiac Output, a backup of fluid, and a lack of oxygenated blood reaching vital organs. In dogs and cats, DCM is often a genetic component, but recent research suggests nutrition may also play a role. Despite this, it is becoming more common in cats due to a link between the disease and taurine deficiency.