Vegan Diets for Cats

Many health and animal rights activists are becoming vegetarians and vegans. Amazingly enough, these same people are putting their cats on a vegan diet. However, meat provides many crucial nutrients to a human and cat's diet. Even the Vegetarian Society and ASPCA caution against vegan diets for cats.

Humans can take nutritional supplements to make up for the lack of meat and other animal related foods such as milk. Cats; however, can't live on pills and powders. They are naturally carnivores. After all, look at wild cats. They live by hunting mice, birds, and other small game.

Some cat food brands state they have added vitamins and taurine to supplement the lack of meat. However, pet owners should carefully look into how long the food was tested and the health results over time from a veterinarian. If there is little to no information available, then pet owners should steer clear and stick to normal cat food.

There are lines of vitamins specially formulated for pets to add to their vegan diet. These supplements claim to successfully make up for anything your cat may be lacking through a vegan diet. However, a veterinarian should be consulted before changing your cat's diet or adding supplements.

Many owners choosing to put their cats on a vegan diet fix the foods themselves instead of buying any special cat foods. This is considered to be even healthier than purchasing cat food listed as vegetarian. Owners can search the internet for recipes for their vegan kitties.

There has been no conclusive evidence that vegan diets are either good or bad. Obviously, it would be hypocritical for vegan owners, especially extreme animal rights activists, to purchase cat foods containing meat and animal byproducts. However, cats are not humans and may have different nutritional needs.

Some owners have stated that their cats showed no signs of problems by being on a vegan diet. However, after several years, their cats began to show signs of nutritional deficiencies. Owners should be aware that it may take months or even years for any possible dietary problems to show themselves.

Before considering a vegan diet for your cat, you should carefully research all the possible pros and cons. Vegan diets are going to cost more and require supplements you would normally not have to purchase with a regular diet. There are other healthy diets for you cat. It's important to truly understand the vegan diet before choosing it for your cat.