Can cats be vegan? Everything you need to know this Veganuary

Veganuary is the perfect time for exploring plant-based living and its impact on the planet. So, if you’re a cat owner, you might be wondering ‘can my cat go vegan?’. 

Can cats go vegan?

The simple answer is no. While humans can thrive on plant-based diets, cats are obligate carnivores. This means they rely on nutrients found in animal flesh to survive.

Unlike omnivores (species that eat both plants and animals) like humans or even dogs, cats have evolved to depend on meat for essential nutrients that are not naturally available in plants. Therefore, a vegan diet won’t meet their biological needs and can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, blindness, and a weakened immune system.

Why cats need animal protein

Cats are natural hunters, designed for a meat-based diet. Here’s why animal protein is vital for their health:

• Taurine: Essential for heart and eye health, taurine is only found in animal tissues. A deficiency in this chemical can lead to heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy) and blindness.
• Protein: Cats need significantly more protein than humans or even dogs. Plant-based proteins don’t provide the full range of amino acids they need to thrive.
• Key nutrients: Vital amino and fatty acids like arachidonic acid and vitamin A are only found in meat. Without them, your cat could start to suffer from skin issues, poor coat condition, and other deficiencies.

How to embrace Veganuary while keeping your cat healthy

While your cat should stick to their nutritionally complete meat-based meals, you can still embrace Veganuary by making sustainable choices for the both of you.

• Pick up eco-friendly pet products: Use biodegradable litter, recycled toys, and sustainable grooming tools to reduce your environmental pawprint.
• Support ethical brands: Like us! At Applaws, we prioritise sustainability by using responsibly sourced ingredients and adopting environmentally conscious practices.
• Recycle the packaging: Recycling your pet’s food containers is a small step that makes a big positive impact on the planet.
• Reduce food waste: Measure your cat’s food into the right portion sizes so they get their nutrients without any unnecessary waste.

The bottom line

While Veganuary is a fantastic opportunity to explore the benefits of plant-based living, it’s important to remember that cats must eat meat to stay healthy. Although eating a vegan diet isn’t possible for our feline friends, as responsible pet owners, there are still many sustainable choices we can make that won’t compromise our cats’ well-being.