Cats are obligate carnivores. But a vegan diet may actually be better for some pets than meat. One study found cats on meat-free diets had fewer health problems and needed less medication.
The Pros and Cons of Veganism for Cats
Researchers surveyed more than 1,300 cat owners; nearly 10% said they fed their pets vegan food. Owners reported that vegan cats needed medication less often and visited the vet no more than once a year, with almost no health problems.
But it’s impossible to be certain these results aren’t due to chance. The study included only 127 vegan cats, so it’s hard to rule out coincidence.
In a closer exam of 22 animals, 15 vegan cats appeared to have fewer gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, vomiting), hormonal disorders (such as diabetes), and skin and respiratory issues. Again, the sample was too small to draw firm conclusions.
Currently, the British Veterinary Association does not recommend vegan diets for cats. Cats need certain nutrients—like taurine and vitamin A—that occur naturally in animal products and are scarce or absent in plant-based foods.
The study also saw a higher reported risk of kidney disease in vegan cats compared with meat-eating cats, but that finding was based on just four vegan animals.
Study leader Professor Andrew Knight told the Daily Mail the findings suggest vegan diets could improve cat health and have environmental benefits. He cautioned that owners should feed only commercially available vegan pet foods labeled as ‘complete’ from reputable manufacturers to avoid harming feline health.
Potential Benefits of Veganism for Cats
The study looked at seven health indicators owners linked to their cats’ diets. That’s the next-best option after full veterinary exams, which are time-consuming, costly, and rarely done at large scales.
Owners of vegan cats reported their pets were 23% less likely to be seriously ill, though veterinarians diagnosed only an 8% lower rate of serious illness.
Vegan cat owners also reported that their pets were 15% less likely to be on medication (excluding routine vaccinations or flea/parasite treatments) than meat-eating cats. They also said their cats had two or more vet visits in the past year 7% less often, which can signal fewer health problems.
Owners who feed vegan diets said their cats had about 16% fewer health disorders, and vets were less likely to judge their cats’ health as having declined over the past year.
Vegan cats were also 55% less likely to be put on therapeutic diets, which vets sometimes prescribe for issues like skin conditions. But that result might partly reflect vegan owners refusing prescribed diets that contain animal products.
Consulting a Veterinarian About Your Cat’s Diet is Best
Because the number of vegan cats was small, no single health condition could be statistically linked to the diet using the strict analyses scientists prefer. Still, the authors say that when you combine all seven health indicators, apply a single statistical approach, and control for age, sex, and neuter status, a connection emerges.
The data suggested vegan cats might be less prone to obesity than meat-eaters and therefore possibly less likely to develop musculoskeletal problems. Justin Shotton notes growing interest among pet owners in alternative diets for their companions.
But the scientist warns that, despite ongoing studies into veganism’s effects on animals, reliable long-term data on cat health is still lacking. Consult your veterinarian before changing your cat’s diet.
