I think I can see it from both sides, but it seems situational to me. Breeding cats sounds bad. For government animal shelters that run out of resources, I think the adoption of an animal that would otherwise be killed is logically consistent with the generic vegan philosophy.

Sorry for my imprecise response. The article you linked is talking about the “Vegan versus meat-based cat food…” study specifically. I was refering back to the study I referenced in a previous comment, “The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review.”. The systematic review is essentially a big picture analysis of 16 other studies, 6 specifically about cats. The “Vegan versus meat-based cat food…” study was not included.

The systematic review says there is not enough evidence at this point to say whether a vegan diet is better or worse. I still stand behind “there is isn’t clear scientific evidence to conclude it is inately worse”.

I’m not putting any pets on a vegan diet. First, I don’t personally follow any vegan practices even for myself. Secondly, it’s risky at this point, and I don’t have enough resources (time, money, attention to detail) to minimize those risks. I keep pets because animal shelters kill animals that they do not have the capacity to support. I can imagine others, even those who practice vegan lifestyles, would commonly cite a similar motive.

“Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”

Nothing excludes the care of pets. It does exclude “animals for food” “as far as is possible and practical”. One could definitely extend this to animals for a pet’s diet, but I’d argue it’s not practical for cats because we don’t yet have solid evidence that says it’s safe. I just don’t think it’s rational to flatly liken it to torture.

That article basically says what the study says. There is no real evidence that a vegan diet is healthier for cat; they point to owner bias as the cause of any perception that these studies show it is healthier.

My point was that there is no evidence that a vegan diet is impossible for a cat. I wouldn’t try it because we don’t know it’s safe, but we also don’t know that it’s necessarily unsafe. I’m just bothered by people who jump to “vegan diet equals dead/tortured cat” because we don’t have any evidence that supports such a dramatic claim.

Well I don’t follow any “vegan” practices, so I can’t really help with the motive part. I think we (internet discourse) often put “vegans” in a box that doesn’t really allow for the nuances of individuals. It’s not like there is a doctrine that the “vegan” follow, at least not that I’m aware of. So can you be “vegan” and care for a pet? I don’t know, but I expect different people will give different answers.

Again, you’re making a giant leap to torture. My point was that current scientific consensus is a vegan diet does not necessarily equal torture. So, I’m wondering why you think it does.

My bias is minimal; I don’t practice veganism for myself of my pets.

I think your opinion is completely ignorant. While there isn’t clear scientific evidence that conclude a vegan cat diet is better, there is isn’t clear scientific evidence to conclude it is inately worse. So, is your opinion based in reality or your intuition?

“However, there is little evidence of adverse effects arising in dogs and cats on vegan diets.”

Domínguez-Oliva, Adriana, et al. “The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review.” Veterinary Sciences, vol. 10, no. 1, Jan. 2023, p. NA. Gale Academic OneFile, dx.doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10010052. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.

Naturally, organizations such as the ASPCA tend toward caution and advise against vegan diets, but your statement reaches far beyond that point.

Edit: I recognize my comment is a bit condescending. I do not mean to discourage discussion. I am genuinely curious and encourage your feedback. Please let me know if I’m missing something important here.

My bias is minimal; I don’t practice veganism for myself of my pets.

I think your opinion is completely ignorant. While there isn’t clear scientific evidence that conclude a vegan cat diet is better, there is isn’t clear scientific evidence to conclude it is inately worse. So, is your opinion based in reality or your intuition?

“However, there is little evidence of adverse effects arising in dogs and cats on vegan diets.”

Domínguez-Oliva, Adriana, et al. “The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review.” Veterinary Sciences, vol. 10, no. 1, Jan. 2023, p. NA. Gale Academic OneFile, dx.doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10010052. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.

Naturally, organizations such as the ASPCA tend toward caution and advise against vegan diets, but your statement reaches far beyond that point.

Edit: I recognize my comment is a bit condescending. I do not mean to discourage discussion. I am genuinely curious and encourage your feedback. Please let me know if I’m missing something important here.

My bias is minimal; I don’t practice veganism for myself of my pets.

I think your opinion is completely ignorant. While there isn’t clear scientific evidence that conclude a vegan cat diet is better, there is isn’t clear scientific evidence to conclude it is inately worse. So, is your opinion based in reality or your intuition?

“However, there is little evidence of adverse effects arising in dogs and cats on vegan diets.”

Domínguez-Oliva, Adriana, et al. “The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review.” Veterinary Sciences, vol. 10, no. 1, Jan. 2023, p. NA. Gale Academic OneFile, dx.doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10010052. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.

Naturally, organizations such as the ASPCA tend toward caution and advise against vegan diets, but your statement reaches far beyond that point.

Edit: I recognize my comment is a bit condescending. I do not mean to discourage discussion. I am genuinely curious and encourage your feedback. Please let me know if I’m missing something important here.