Vegan with Cats (and Dogs): What to Feed our Companion Animals

The question I get more than any other is “What do you feed your cats?” and “Is it okay to feed cats and dogs a vegan diet?” And so I give you my point of view (including about what to feed dogs).
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[@ErinJanus]

My cat is not vegan. I don't want to destroy her liver and kidneys and screw up her health. I would rather help hundreds of thousands of my fellow humans adopt healthy vegan lifestyles instead of destroying my biologically carnivorous cat's health.

[@impolitevegan3179]

Erin, after watching your videos I would not expect this from you. I hope you did your research and changed your mind.

[@VeganV5912]

Erin Janus . Toxoplasmosis. Wikipedia. 🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤪🤪🤪. Get a dog 🐶 please.

[@mountaingoat8788]

Erin I Agree

[@jessicawanna6354]

Erin Janus thank you for commenting 💗 I appreciate that you mentioned you don't wanna destroy your cats liver or kidney which my cat has both issues along with allergies 😢 I've been researching so much and been called a murderer and a non-vegan. My cat is my Universe and I don't wanna harm her. I plan to buy and read Obligate Carnivore. Before I get any hate or judgement I'm here so I can learn and not to be judged. I know the industries and slaughterhouses are horrible 😢 I'm looking for more options that will work. I'm currently making her food which is extremely difficult for me in many ways but no where near the death of the cow 😢 I know that the cows were treated well besides their death but still isn't right I know. Thankfully super meat is coming soon which is less horrific.

[@VeganV5912]

Erin Janus . Poor bird 🐦 need dilated find the cat 🐈.

[@lepp6598]

Cats are obligate carnivores. They require high levels of taurine, which is only found in animal protein, and which is essential for maintaining their ocular health. Long term feeding of vegetarian or vegan diets can result in blind cats.

[@NoelleObcarskas]

taurine is synthetic as standard in all cat foods. vegan means animals are not ours. so using them is not vegan. here is science...natural wild cat diets are unhealthy. suggest u read the scientist reports on kidney disease of wild lions on raw flesh diets also...link below... yes besides unnaturally breeding and killing animals as hairless ape humans for another species animal than ourselves that no animal naturally does in the natural world... copy the unhealthy natural diet of wild cat lions and get like they do 87% kidney diseases. oh forgot also wild game flesh is totally different to farm animal flesh....so unhealthy the omega 6 to 3 ratio of farm animal flesh is 40 to 1 ratio as far animals eat high in omega 6 plant food ! sooo unhealthy for hearts hey as omega 3 is the heart healthy omega....ooh forgot the fat levels of farm animals also bad for hearts are twice those of wild game. FARM FLESH IS TOTALLY UNNATURAL ! journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0300985810382089 and 20 yr old healthy uk vegan fed cats here...vegan-information.com/Vegan_Cats_List_Examples.html and scientific references here www.vegepets.com website of world expert Andrew Knight BSc (Vet Biol), BVMS, CertAW, MANZCVS, DipECAWBM (AWSEL), DipACAW, PhD, FRCVS, SFHEA

[@goofiestchunk]

@@NoelleObcarskas why would cats have evolved over time to be perfect hunters? Lynx, mountain lions, bobcats, and domestic cats are predators. They have a lot of adaptations in common. For example, they all have forward facing eyes (so they can hunt better and don't need to watch out for predators that much), sharp claws and big fangs or canine teeth.

[@NoelleObcarskas]

@@goofiestchunk irrelevant. pet cats are not natural so no argument about thenatural world applies. they get fed unnatural out of tins and packets human created food so stop the fantasies. where their eyes are is hilarious for you to fantasise about diet relevance lol...you me we humans feed cats...they dont need eyes to go to shops for pet food plonker

[@zelgadisgreywolf8313]

@@NoelleObcarskas It was proven by veterinary studies that vegan diets are creating a rist of urinary problems among cats, mostly with crystalistaion and building of Struvit, even vegan cats organisation are no longer promoting fully vegan diets for cats.

[@NoelleObcarskas]

@@zelgadisgreywolf8313 nonsense. Uk vet organisation just published exc report on vegan pet foods.

[@RiceNspice]

Concern for animal welfare has to include a biologically-appropriate diet. You can't force your ideology on the cat.

[@david522]

What about forcing other animals to die for your cat?

[@eatandbehoopy9937]

David no that is not ok. But what’s the solution? Should we euthanized all shelter animals? Or let them starve to death? It’s hard to know who should live and who should die, isn’t it?

[@sleepychompers]

David Its nature. Animals eat other Animals. Grow up.

[@peachymanaangel]

If you believe in helping animals then you should feed your pets that are carnivores meat. If your cat stops eating they can go down a slippery slope of liver failure. As humans we are responsible for the care of our domesticated animals. The best diet for a cat is a raw meat diet, grains are not good for the furry beasts. I am very glad that you feed your cats the diet they need.

[@mrlawilliamsukwarmachine4904]

yes. i agree. Jamaican dogs love cornmeal porridge. anyway, i am looking here because i wanted some treats to give homeless people's dogs and to local, friendly 🐱🐈. i noticed there's no vegan petfood. then thought "wait. cats are meant to eat birds, fish and mice." Turns out that a vegan diet will kill a cat.

[@mrlawilliamsukwarmachine4904]

yes. i agree. Jamaican dogs love cornmeal porridge. anyway, i am looking here because i wanted some treats to give homeless people's dogs and to local, friendly 🐱🐈. i noticed there's no vegan petfood. then thought "wait. cats are meant to eat birds, fish and mice." Turns out that a vegan diet will kill a cat.

[@jameswillis3650]

So killing 1000 animals to feed my cat is caring about animals?

[@lovemychi2372]

+James Willis if you adopt a cat knowing it requires meat to survive that is your choice. No one forced you to adopt a cat. Cats will get sick and die on a vegan diet. It is cruel to the cat.

[@jameswillis3650]

Marie Gerald All cats may get sick and die on any diet. On a Vegan diet cats may have a lower life expectancy though. It can be done, cats can survive on a vegan diet(maybe). I say maybe because you can bet cats will be catching their own food often. Scavenging meat is an option, road kill, dead bugs on cars............ The point is, we should at least try build a world without suffering and death. If we don't try, we may miss the opportunity to achieve it.

[@jlautner]

I feed my cats canned meat products and of course would love it if I didn't have to. One of the reasons I am uncomfortable with feeding them plant food is that their digestive systems are so different from ours. I suspect that they would not be able to absorb all of the nutrients in the short time the food is in their system.

[@PrInCeSsuk8]

We don't absorb alot of plant nutrients too lol

[@isaacwgnr130]

@@PrInCeSsuk8 why do you think that?

[@joyfulvegan]

Vegans joke that the #1 question we get is "where do you get your protein?" The #1 question I get is "what do you feed your cats?" I answered this many years ago in a longer podcast episode about my cats and their health. It was time to create a very specific, focused video on this issue. Most of you know I feed my cats meat. I explain why in this video. I would just ask that you watch the video through to the end before criticizing me; and no, I don't believe the answer is for everyone to stop adopting cats. But that's a different video for a different day. For today, here's what I feed my cats and why (with photos of my adorable cats dispersed throughout)! smile emoticon

[@emanaton]

Like yourself, I have my sights set on in vitro meat as my hope for a long term solution.

[@tiahnalee8479]

Michelle gomez So we should neglect all the carnivorous animals in the world? If you really want to get down to it, domestic animals should be bred out of existence altogether. But, while we have carnivorous domestic animals it is in our duty to care for and provide the proper food for them. If you can't ethically agree with feeding a cat meat while you're a vegan, don't have a cat.

[@michellegomes4905]

I do not have a cat!!

[@tiahnalee8479]

Nope. At the moment, pet food is made from the meat that isn't used for human consumption. However if the whole world went vegan, that would mean that all domestic animals would be desexed, hence less (eventually no) domestic animals to feed. I imagine that if the whole world was vegan, carnivorous animals would be fed animals that have died of natural causes.

[@elonw17]

+tia lee the heck

[@dorsalfin4352]

This deserves more views and i wish you were my vet

[@margaritacarreterogonzalez4625]

I know it's discriminatory, but I just feed them chicken and salmon, whether dry of wet food, and coming from animals who have been raised in decent conditions. Still, an untimely death does not make up for a happy life, but it's the best we can do. I really hope in-vitro food kicks in! Thanks for this post.

[@jaiskreno]

Your pleasure of owning a cat is not as important as an animal’s right to life. Both animals have, cats AND the cows. The only reason cows die is because you CHOOSE wich gets to live by means of wich is cuter to you. That we don’t need to do, Vegans shouldn’t own cats.

[@RawfullyYours]

Authenticity+ knowledge + common sense+ experience - dogma. Thank you

[@joyfulvegan]

Holistic Health & Nutrition Thank you for your kind words! And thank you for watching! xo

[@henryyuki5424]

This made me feel SO much better...I truly respect your opinion. 🐱❤️

[@henryyuki5424]

Charlie sounds like a riot!!!

[@tomaszolczyk6282]

great videos, so refreshing to find vegan that isn't a nutjob

[@joyfulvegan]

Ha, +Tomasz Olczyk - thanks, Tomasz. I'll take that as a compliment. :)

[@lovemychi2372]

Cats will not survive on a vegan diet. Dogs will not fully thrive on a vegan diet. I don't eat meat and hate the idea of supporting the meat industry, however if you do have a pet you must do what is best for your dog/cat. She's right buy a bunny and you don't have to deal with this dilemma.

[@swagfab2275]

Ikr! -.- im getting so annoyed at ppl who are feeling their DOGS and cats a vegan diet.

[@RiceNspice]

+Swag Fab I know that feeling, but im not vegan or vegetarian. But if i was i wouldn't wan't to.

[@camo520]

Dogs can be vegan. I have a vegan dog and a cat that only eats fish. Cats can't but dogs can

[@sojunneo]

+Camo dogs can, but it's very very risk full

[@floral_coral1]

an only fish diet is hard for cats. the phosphates and Mercury levels can cause liver and kidney problems

[@dianechandler]

Thanks so much for sharing your opinion on this topic. I truly appreciate your authenticity, intelligence, compassion, knowledge and willingness to share.

[@joyfulvegan]

Thanks, Diane Chandler. I'm expecting an onslaught of criticism, but that's life.

[@themirrorofthetruth2055]

i have a friend that have a cat that is eat a diet of seitan and tempeh seaweed. And he is perfectly healthy. So why have some animal being sacrifice for the food choice of a carnivore if it not be necessary.? Carnivore animals needs a diet very high in proteins.' And amino acids, one of the Highest sources of Carnitine is actually tempeh.' And of TAURINE is red algae.'

[@fabfourfever674]

The mirror of the true Cats are obligate carnivores. Some cats (particularly females) do well on a vegan diet, despite this. Males are trickier.. so it's erroneous to suggest that carnivores don't need meat because some do well without it. It's a matter of luck, in that case..but, ultimately, biology rules if you are to consider the health of the animal.

[@WhiteKitta]

Great video, thanks for sharing this, and I totally agree with you....I had a somewhat similar experience...as a vegan I feed my 2 dogs vegan and the are doing great..... but I don't feed my 3 cats vegan, I tried that and it did not work out for them,....the are after all true carnivores,.. After seeing what a vegan diet did to 1 of my cats who ended up with constant diarrhea and gas for days (the other 2 just plain refused it, and like you.... I also had to constantly try to convince them to eat it, so naturally I stopped trying and believe me I tried so many different vegan cat food brands! I love my cats like the are my own children and I am not going to hurt my cats just so I can say I made them vegan

[@LinneaMae68]

What a wonderfully down to earth video. My daughter and I are 3 months new to veganism. She would like to switch our cat and dog to a vegan diet. I have told her that i am willing to consider vegan for our dog but not for the cat. The way I see this issue is that lets concern ourselves with the human population going vegan first. There will always be cat food available for so long as people consume animals. If the day ever comes that the world is vegan...we will cross the bridge of what to feed our cats then. In my own mind I feel that there would be enough naturally dying animals in the world to actually produce ethical cat food (like cleaning roadkill would actually turn into a cat food business...what a weird thought) but, the world going vegan isn't happening anytime soon so it's really all a 'what if'.

[@michellegomes4905]

endAuthority My comment was to Unlikely vegan !

[@LinneaMae68]

+Michelle gomez (scarlettlady78) I don't see a comment from you Michelle.

[@LinneaMae68]

+endAuthority yes, or he could hunt his own food...absolutely!

[@rachellorie3332]

I feed my kittens vegan canned food I checked out the ingredients they gave all the essential nutrients as well as Taurine which is found in meat that helps protein synthesize. They don't love it as much as they gobbled up the cat food with meat the previous owner insisted I take. But they're healthy from the vitamin a, b, k, e and taurine which is essential

[@smushface3999]

Please do not put your dog on a vegan diet. There is a difference between dogs being able to survive on a vegan diet, and dogs being able to be healthy and thrive on a vegan diet - spoiler: they can’t. They’re biologically designed to process meat, but they’ve adapted to have some tolerance to additional human foodstuffs which, when they comprise the entirety of of a dog’s diet (and often even only part of their diet), still cause a wide range of health conditions in the short or long term. Putting your dog on a vegan diet is like forcing a child to eat a strict diet of candy and lard; you’re using your power over them to force them to eat something that isn’t healthy or appropriate, because their only choice is to eat it and be unhealthy or starve.

[@theawakenedvegan]

I tried feeding my cat vegan cat food but she won't even try it. She only likes one brand of cat food and she'll eat nothing else! lol

[@GarudaLegends]

Because the cat knew vegan food is retarded. I wish human vegans would realize it

[@Ecopeaceful]

I am as a vegan think it is unethical to buy/support financially businesses that kill one animal to feed another, but same time I want to help feral/stray cats in my area. I personally found an unusual solution to feed feral/stray cats. I get plenty of cat/dog food out of the pet store dumpsters. Pet stores throw away a lot of pet food for various reasons (customer returns, damaged label, close to expiration date), most of the time (99.9%) it is good food for cats/dogs. I have a few videos on this topic, it is shocking how much food is thrown away. I dumpster dive for cat food once a week and I have been able to feed several cats on a regular basis and I give away the dog food to neighbors who is caring for stray dogs. I do not think every vegan will dumpster dive for cat food, but many who followed my advice reported success.

[@jossybarton1318]

Its the food chain though. In the wild an animal kills the other animal for food. thats how it is.

[@plaantchild3134]

+Jossy Barton killing billions of animals in slaughterhouses is not natural.

[@jossybarton1318]

+Plaantchild I was talking about cats and such. sorry i didn't make it clear.

[@PiercingChild]

Absolutely. In the wild, it's natural for cats to kill animals for their food. But killing animals in slaughterhouses like we do today, is so far from natural. I have 3 cats that I have had since they were kittens and they are now 10, 9 and 8. I am not confident enough that vegan food is healthy for them so unfortunately I feed them regular animal based cat food. This makes me not want to own cats anymore after they are gone though.

[@gordenwood7853]

EcoPeaceful Pet stores should donate the food they toss out to shelters or at least to the homeless's pets so they don't go without it would be better than fill the landfill full of good food..

[@miatreadwell1874]

I agree I personally wouldn’t feed a cat vegan however I’m just trying it out for my dog. The reason for this is because of all the drugs that is fed to cattle. If the diet doesn’t work out I’m going to try raw. My dog is pretty picky so I hope it goes well. He also won’t be 100% vegan he’ll still have a bit of meat once o a while and training treats will be meat

[@JBean830]

I hate when people criticize me and say I'm a fake vegan because I feed my cats meat! cats are carnivores. they NEED meat. it drives me insane. I love all animals but I love my pets so so much and I don't want them to be sick. I have them on a grain free diet, feed them can food and bag food in the am and I cook them dinner every night but they always get their meat. I've learned to not care what people think about me and my life

[@notjustanotherguy739]

So you put your cats on a piedestal and choose to abuse hundreds or even thousands of other innocent animals just to feed your cats? Why are they more important than the animals raised for food?

[@EquilibriumDawn]

+Not just another guy Go check out your head, and Pls don't have kids!! Animals eat Animals its a part of nature, you would hurt someones pet, a highly developed and inteligent animal because of some stupid cow made for food, who is incapable of living without human support. All that just for some delusional fantasy where carnivoures eat air, or just don't exist, where an elephant, lion and a human just hug out their differences, and unicorns exist, and they fart out rainbow tofu so you can all enjoy it while riding your lovley, friendly pink sharks to the sunset

[@nash984954]

Puhlease don't exaggerate, it distorts the issue. Nature decides what is required of the differnt species and hit and miss for millions and millions of years. Good thing you are no authority, but have half baked notions about life. I'm 8 year Vegan, and my cat eats a varied diet and with meat, because of her species requirement. The many animals I don't eat isn't so many, but opposing the cruelty of CAFOs helps many more by my offering to meat eaters knowledge about how the animals they eat are treated. That is the main point, what you're doing is placing yourself on a pedestal thinking you have high moral standing, and looking down on all the peons who don't meet up to your high standing(you're full of shit)which means you're missing the point entirely. Jugdmental mental midgets like you need to study a bit more before opening your mouth.. Nobody likes an arrogant shithead, meat eater or not.

[@JBean830]

Not just another guy so I am just supposed to actively participate in animal tourture! cats get sick without meat. it's cruel to make them vegan. I can choose what goes in my body and choose not to eat meat but I can't fight nature and deprive my cats of their needs that would be like someone depriving me of vitamins

[@whyyoureadinmyname5145]

Jill Katz bruh if I gave my cats a plate of vegetables they would be like "nah in good bruh". Lmao I tried to give them vegan cheese that was melted they did not like it. I gave them vegan meat wasn't interested. Tbh I really think cats just like the juices and seasoning on food. But even if I gave them vegan dry food one bag would be like 24.00 or 16.00 and no one is gonna pay for that in my house. You need to understand not everyone has to follow ur rules to be a true vegan. As long as their trying hard as they can to not eat a meat diet then their vegan. I cheated a few times. I ate like 3 sour cream and cheddar Pringles yesterday and 2 sugar babies that had milk powder. I am still vegan/pediatrician if u don't like it oh well. I live on and off a vegan diet and seafood diet but vegan is my main and only have seafood once n a while.

[@judithblake9638]

Thank you for this video. I recently became vegan and I was wondering what to feed my pets. They don't like the vegan food too much they are struggling. And I don't think I should force them. BTW you have very majestical eyes

[@joyfulvegan]

Ha - thanks so much, +JUDITH BLAKE . Good luck with your furry babies. :)

[@judithblake9638]

+Colleen Patrick-Goudreau (Joyful Vegan) Can I ask you something? Why pescitarian diet rather than a bird diet? It would make sense that cats would be more successful hunting land animals in nature than diving in an ocean or lake for food. Or are you choosing fishy food because the sea industry is less harmful than the land factory farming?

[@NoirVelours]

I so agree with you! In a perfect vegan world we would not have any pets unless they are wild animals that were befriend, because pets = breeders = animal exploitation (in my book anyway). We ain't in a perfect world though and many ethical vegans take care of rescued animals so better to stay as close as possible to what nature's intended for their natural diet. One day the kitties will maybe be returned to the wild or simply stop being bred and die of old happy age but we ain't there yet so we do our best! Rabbits and birds are wonderful loving animals though, always a good companion if you really want to rescue an animal from a shelter but are grossed out by meat in pet food!

[@pri.sci.lla.]

As a vegan I don't feel bad feeding my foster kittens a species appropriate diet (meat) because it's donated to me but also the pet food industry doesn't contribute to any more animal deaths. I'm also an animal science pre vet major.

[@ChristianParkesArt]

Good point about the lab grown meat a good use for it in pet food. I'd love a cat but if it can't be fed vegan I'll have to wait . I don't think it's fair to put my pets life above the lives all the animals abused and killed to make cat food.

[@notjustanotherguy739]

Christian Parkes Ⓥ Thank you. Finally an intelligent comment. 💛

[@nash984954]

If I may, cats are heartier than you think, also many humans have taken on colonies and will trap fix them give shots etc. These are NOT stray cats, these cats belong to the communities they live in, and so takes but a nudge to show how a simple renaming can change the whole picture. I don't suggest using euphemism, to make them appear more friendly, but their home is a wider area than the one family they are with, especially when folks will allow them to go outside sometimes., For years, in the dead cold of winter nights, going into downtown alleys and feeding and looking after them post neutering, and testing for disease, and giving shots, etc Alabama allows penning, which has hunting dogs chase after wild foxes and coyotes, even giving awards for this cruelty. So, for a few months back and forth fighting via email over how their own laws were being violated by THEM, turns out, renaming them nullifies the wildlife protections, just calling them 'nuisance animals' does that. Often coyotes are demonised when all they're doing is returning to their home to what is now a human development. Humans kill billions of animals, and the Animal Liberation Front has the correct idea sometimes, which is drastic remedies, just remember Britches and what in the name of progress and science this poor little guy endured, but was rescued by ALF.

[@sosalert6538]

Noted vegan Gary Francione said: "For those of us who are unable to feed our companion animals a vegan diet, or who (in the case of cats) choose not to for fear of compromising their health, we might take some small consolation in the fact that most cat and dog foods do not come from animals being slaughtered to feed cats and dogs, but rather from animals being killed in slaughterhouses to feed people." Got that? Don't let what you have to feed a cat ever stop you from rescuing one. They desperately need homes too.

[@JavierRodriguez-dg4bw]

Actually, it's intelligent, but wrong. Cats in nature are at the top of the food chain, and birds are often on the menu. Try intelligence Not just another guy. It might help ya.

[@Steve-3P0]

Cats are meat eating killers. They have sharp claws and teeth designed to rip and tear apart little rodents. They can hear ultrasound that rodents make and have excellent night vision to find them in the dark. Cats are psychopathic meat eating murderers. They need to kill. They love to torture their prey before they kill it. It's in their DNA. The fact that so many women love these psychopaths is disturbing.

[@1221solstice2012]

I truly wish that somehow cats could be fed the meat of animal torturers, not other animals. My dogs are vegan and they love their food, like you said at 2:10. I don't keep cats but if I did would feed them fish, perhaps eggs if I could find some in the "wild." I know vegans who have a cat kennel and go through huge amounts of canned meat cat food, and I don't understand this, but am grateful they saved all those cats from the streets. Too bad people didn't start developing synthetic meats long ago, they're too late in coming, still too far off. This world needs them, desperately.

[@eileencahill8541]

Colleen, I always appreciate your thoughtful approach to these topics. Would you consider doing an update in light of all the progress that vegan dog and cat food companies have made since this video came out? I’m hoping to transition my kitty to vegan food, but it’s not as simple as some people make it out to be. It seems that many cat guardians have had success in solving health problems by feeding wet vegan food, using acidifiers and/or soaking kibble. I could use step-by-step guidance from someone who’s been there.

[@isabellezablocki7447]

I am waiting for canned squirrels, canned lizards, or canned mice because those are natural food for cats. You don't even see a cat (not a big wild cat) attack a cow in nature, or a lamb, or even a chicken...

[@marrowroot5702]

Thank you for posting this! You made me feel a lot better. I'm vegan but have recently been transitioning my cats to a raw meat diet (which they love so far). I've been feeling really bad and torn about it, so this video made me feel much better! Also, my cats love nutritional yeast too, lol!

[@rachelmills3958]

Why get more cats after going vegan knowing that you’re going to contribute to fish depletion? I don’t get it.

[@joyfulvegan]

It's not a math problem to get. There are homeless cats. My not getting cats doesn't solve the problem of cat overpopulation. It's not a perfect world. We all do our best.

[@reneerenee1783]

Well said Colleen.

[@nullethosechoes]

@@joyfulvegan blind spot. You don't see the other animals because the cats are cute to you, and give you some kind of benefit.

[@daynareynolds372]

I feel as though if you are going to feed them a meat-based diet feeding byproducts would be a good compromise. Less animals would die for their food in this respect.

[@MissDiva324]

Hi Colleen! Could you please do an updated video on this since vegan pet food companies such as Evolution exist? Being around for 30 years, they've PROVEN cats can survive and THRIVE off a vegan diet. Check out their website at petfoodshop.com or give them a call to learn more 🙌🏼🙌🏼🌱🌱❤️❤️

[@themirrorofthetruth2055]

i have friend that have a cat that is eat a diet of seitan and tempeh seaweed. And he is perfectly healthy. So why have some animal being sacrifice for the food choice of a carnivore if it not be necessary.? Carnivore animals needs a diet very high in proteins.' And amino acids, one of the Highest sources of Carnitine is actually tempeh.' And of TAURINE is red algae.'

[@siarad8921]

Just feed your cats on a raw meat based diet.I have currently adopted a dog and transitioned him to a vegan diet.He is thriving but not all are the same.

[@williamgranville6732]

My dog eats Vegan commercial dog food and he actually likes it better than the meat based food we used to feed him. My cats however, eat commercial meat based food. I am in agreement with you; I feel cats are designed to be meat eaters just like we humans are not. I do like your idea about the bunny though. Problem solved. lol

[@theartificialsociety3373]

Having a feeling is not scientific. The vets have studied the cat issues quite substantially and established the protein issues. So good vegan cat food has the special protein supplement or you can buy the supplement.

[@biohazard2treepercs]

The Artificial Society You do not deserve to own a fucking cat, seriously you should go to jail for animal abuse, they are natural meat eaters, would you feed a lion fucking apples? Guess what cats are 98 percent genetically the same as lions.

[@mamalovesthebeach437]

The Artificial Society I tried and lost several cats. They literally starved to death, it was horrific to watch . . .

[@analourenco4245]

+Darris B. Nelson wtf is wrong with you?? u watched the first one dying on a vegan diet and you still tried to apply it on other cats that also died? adopting cats to kill them? so just let others adopt them. I understand that is really hard for us, as vegans, feed our cats with meat. I debate myself many times! I dont like it but they dont fit vegan diet, they are purely carnivores. I wont kill them even tho' I buy dead animals for them and it kills me inside. but they are not like humans that can be perfectly vegan. Cats dont have an option. Blame nature. But yeah.. people also criticize me, but is simple for those who dont own cats to point out. And btw when I adopted them I wasnt vegan, still I dont regret it. I love my babies! Dogs in other hand can be vegan with no problem at all but they were carnivores once too. It is expect to cats also become omnivorous in the future just like dogs became.

[@theartificialsociety3373]

+Ana Lourenço veterinarians who have researched the issue say that they just need higher amount of protein, certain supplements like purine, and some monitoring of the blood acidity. To make a crying statement when research vets have a planned established protocol that is to be followed is silly. Not all cats will respond well so for those it's not worth the trouble. Also, pets in general are actually an escape mechanism from where they should be socializing which is with other people and human family.

[@fruityfulday5441]

I share your thoughts. I actually don't have a cat, but I would do the same thing, if I had one. A cat is a carnivore, there's nothing to discuss about this fact. If you don't like it and you can't handle the inner conflict, maybe a cat is not the best choice for you.

[@natureasintended]

I don't have a cat. I'm just sharing this testimony in case anyone is interested anyway. facebook.com/544580732238947/photos/a.669913109705708.1073741825.544580732238947/987021774661505/?type=1&theater (from Vegan Dogs Thriving)

[@fruityfulday5441]

Thanks, natureasintended! Always interesting to hear this success stories. I know that there are cats out there that thrive on a vegan diet and get very old. But I've also heard a lot of horror stories, for example from a vet's assistant about vegan cats with serious health problems. She was really frustrated and said it's always the same, cats can't handle the vegan food long term. At the moment I can't remember the typical diseases she mentioned. I am not an expert, my English sucks ^^, and it is difficult enough to discuss this topic in German. If I had a cat, I can imagine to include a little bit vegan food, as described in the video. But I think, I will never change my mind, no matter what vegan cat owners with vegan cats will tell me. We had a family cat when I was a child and I've seen her hunting for mice and birds in the garden to often. I've never caught her nibbling on our strawberries. :) We fed her mostly meat and fish, but it still was her instinct to hunt. And maybe there was not everything she needed in the store bought animal food. Some vegans put little bells around the neck of their cats to prevent hunting. For me it's animal abuse when they also feed them vegan food, when they decide for their cats what they are allowed to eat and what not. And when they forbid them to take care of themselves. I don't force a herbivore to eat meat. I don't like it, when ruminants like cows are fed with corn and soy, which leads to abomasal displacement, when they are normally meant to eat grass. For me it's not the question, if cats can survive or thrive on a vegan diet, for me it's simply not natural. I don't want to violate nature, it's okay for me that a carnivore needs (and wants) meat. I am not a carnivore, my body, my teeth, my digestive system looks different, I don't need it and I want to reduce suffering. It's simply unnecessary, I am not in a survival situation or something. But a cat or another carnivorous animal? If we think this through, where do we stop? Should we replace fish with fake fish in zoos for seals? Should we replace meat with fake meat for lions in circuses and animal parks? I know, we don't want zoos, circuses and so on, but they still exist and they will sadly exist further on. And even if there were good reintroduction programs for these animals, how should we treat and help them during this time? Is it a good idea to feed a predator vegetables and plant protein, when it should learn how to hunt, how to care for itself? Am I a speciest when I feed insects to a chameleon? Yes, I am. Honestly, that's the circle of life, to me it's ridiculous to question everything. I know, it's about the meat industry, ppl don't want to support it by buying animal food, but I think there are still many options to make the best possible choices. We don't have to buy the waste from the factory farms. And as I said in my first comment: if you can't handle it, why do you have to bear responsibility for a carnivorous animal? And if you had this animal before you went vegan, why does your animal have to make the same changes? Is it really fair? I don't think so. Your comment was not directed to me personally, but a response to my comment, so I wanted to write you something. Sorry for this looong answer, but it is a difficult topic. Thank god, I don't have a pet at the moment and I don't have to make those decisions. I know it's all easier said than done. :-) Greetings from Germany

[@natureasintended]

fruityful day I totally hear you. Thank goodness I don't currently have a cat and needing to make any decisions on this either. What did you think of Durianrider's video about feeding vegan kibble, and allowing the cat to hunt mice and birds as it pleases?

[@fruityfulday5441]

natureasintended Oh, I haven't watched this video. But to me it sounds like a possible compromise, if you live in a natural environment (on the land or in a green suburb, not in the city, where it is to dangerous for a cat). But I still think I would not do that. I would rater barf a cat, include some vegan kibble and still allow the cat to hunt. And I would hope, that if I feed enough meat to my cat (and I believe the most natural way is raw biological meat), the cat would not feel the need to go on a hunt so often. I know it's stupid, but as a child I was always angry, when I saw my cat with a young or rare singing bird between her teeth. And I ran away from her when she wanted to get stroked the same day and purred around my legs. You can ask butchers with biological meat for fresh leftovers, meat and organs which are high in vitamins and minerals, and are, as far as I know, not inferior in any way. When an animal has to die for the meat consumption of humans, it's always a disrespect how much of the meat goes to waste. You will never see this ungratefulness upon indigenous peoples. They will use nearly everything from an animal. My viewpoint is more on the pragmatic side. For me it feels better to take one life (that has already been taken for human meat consumption). And hopefully I can reduce that way the desire of my cat to kill little birdies. I also know about myself that I am not really able to let this happen when I see it! I will mess it up for my cat if possible, as I've done in the past. I have often rescued little traumatized mice with galloping hearts when my cat was playing around with them. - It remains a difficult topic to me.

[@lyncap99]

I would think it could be considered inhumane to keep a pet from eating its natural food (a carnivore eating meat for example). In nature carnivorous animals hunt and eat animals and that is a natural part of the food chain cycle. If possible allow a cat to hunt and eat it's own food (some are very good at that and can keep your mouse and mole population under control). I am amazed to see a pet owner horrified and disgusted at their cat hunting and eating a mouse or bird while they themselves eat a chicken without a thought when they can healthfully choose other foods.

[@jmadsen6118]

My first vet had been in practice for 37 years. He suggested I feed my dogs a vegan diet because in his experience, his vegan dog patients had very few health problems compared with those that ate meat. I was shocked but thrilled since I was a vegetarian at the time. Almost 30 years later, I can say his advice has proven to be true. My 5 dogs have all been vegan and lived with very few health issues. Their treats are raw vegetables (very thinly sliced on a mandoline slicer) and they get very excited when the treat jar comes out of the refrigerator. Thanks for the kitty wisdom...my experience has been similar with my 3 cats. Your kind and thoughtful commentary is much appreciated. Thanks for the work you do, Colleen.

[@jaiskreno]

If you’re vegan, don’t adopt a cat. It’s that easy.

[@akanne1]

When I became a vegan, I already had my cats. As a new Vegan, I was asking around in forums these type of difficult moral, ethical questions. A lot of people told me that I should keep my cats indoors and they should be vegan. They told me that when they go out, they eat insects and birds. When I wasn't a vegan, I used to hate seeing indoor cats. I thought that they seemed sad and deprived from their hunter nature and their freedom. Therefore, I was struggling with the idea of changing my cats' life style because mine was changing too. Thankfully, I found lots of supportive Vegans who had your ideas and opinions. They explained to me what was already resonating. They told me that there was no perfection in veganism and cats are carnivores and are hunters and it by depriving them from their natural state, I'm also hurting them. I went with my instincts and kept them in their original diet and their original life styles. They are still alive and healthy and that was 10 years ago. I've heard people say that if we cannot make our cats vegan, we should not have them. I question that idea by asking if you would give up on a family member like a spouse or a child who is not willing to go vegan? My cats were here before I became vegan and they don't have a choice to go vegan so I have to choose for them? why? Colleen, I agree with your opinions and I'm sure they will be helpful for those new Vegans who are debating with these ideas. It is important for new Vegans to understand that there's not a perfect vegan and that you should follow Veganism as much as you can but you will not reach perfection. Gary Yourofsky has always said that the important and biggest difference Vegans make is in the diet and the rest are not as significant. So, achieve perfection by not consuming any animal products and be happy :)

[@AlexxWretched]

Hi! Many indoor cats are so sad and bored because their human servants don't give them enough fun things to do indoors! If a cat is used to being outdoors, transitioning to living indoors may be very difficult, which is why I wouldn't advise the swap unless your cat does well with it. It's really important to give a cat toys even if they do spend most of their time outdoors, but especially if they do stay inside a lot. A really super awesome tip for outdoor cats is to put a bell on their collar to warn any prey animals that they're coming!

[@jessicadennison6506]

I admire you so much - just for being so honest. And making hard choices, but im so happy you do what makes you and your furry friends happy!

[@mamalovesthebeach437]

Your tuxedos are beautiful! Thank you SO MUCH for this video Colleen. As a vegan who's rescued and raised feral cats for 20+ years I have many years of experience with this subject. I struggled with this issue after loosing a couple cats to hyperthyroidism. I fed my cats homemade food that was over 50% veggies. The cats never enjoyed the food but ate it with A LOT of coaxing. I also had a cat with FUS and it was a year of pure hell until I shifted my old guys food. After talking with you several years ago I shifted their diet but was still adding about 25% veggies. After loosing two more cats to hyperthyroidism I had a serious convo with my vet who told me cats are carnivores, period and the diet I was feeding them was likely contributing to the hyperthyroidism. After loosing my son's sweet cat, 'Sunny', I was so horrified that I contributed to her death that I made a drastic change. I still feed my cats homemade food but now it's made from farm raised turkeys, liver, eggs and supplements. I do feed them a small amount of grain free commercial food (about 2 Tbls/day). Making this food is a HUGE moral struggle for me. I continue to assist with TNR (trap-neuter-return) of ferals but have chosen not to purposefully take in any animals because of my struggle with my contribution to suffering by feeding them meat. I did not seek our two current cats, they came around after they were abandoned (people moved and left them behind in our neighborhood) so we are now their guardians. I've never tried nutritional yeast on their food. I will definitely give this a try. I know how committed you are to living a compassionate lifestyle and trust your research and thoughts. Thanks again.

[@yigalzaid]

Your point of view is supported by all the peer reviewed researches ever made, so you can confidently call it a scientific theory or a FACT. It's nice to hear a sane voice.

[@nullethosechoes]

No. Read this: The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review

[@margaritacarreterogonzalez4625]

I entirely agree with you, Colleen. I live with dogs, cats, budgies and even a snail and I would never feed the cats with a vegan diet, even if it pains me wo know that animals had to die to feed them.

[@NoelleObcarskas]

but they dont need to die. no animals die for healthy vegan fed cats. only people who want to kill animals feed non vegan animals. end of idiocy.

[@H3lloKayla]

I agree with everything you said and I will try feeding my babies fish instead like you suggested. I love how opened minded you were and also can I just say how beautiful and warm your eyes are.

[@jessicadennison6506]

Their is no one vegan answer for everyone! if everyone just does what they can the would would be so amazing!

[@lighttouchchiropractic9605]

let's strive for excellence and not perfection. Thanks for dealing with this hotbed subject for vegans.

[@mrstonig]

I wish I could find vegan dog food in the pet stores in my area. I live near Petco and Petsmart and neither carry vegetarian/vegan dog food. I have purchased some online but I wish commercial pet stores would carry it though I have voiced my request.

[@Frost571]

Great video

[@miyalys]

I see the choice like this: 1) Do I kill, say, 50 chickens and fishes per year so my cat can survive? 2) Do I kill my cat so the 50 chickens and fishes per year can survive? 3) Do I attempt a vegan diet for the cat, and hopefully both survive, and hopefully the cat can thrive decently? I think 3 is the most meaningful choice, even though it is bordering on animal experimentation but dumpster dived meat seems like another good solution as it doesn't help maintain an industry of animal breeding, exploitation and killing. If switching to a vegan diet I'd suggest transitioning over a period of time, and if it doesn't seem to work at least maximize the amount of vegan food it eats, as that may still save a subset of that number of animals per year from being bred into horrible lives and subsequent death. I think 1 is often chosen because unlike the cat those many more victims are invisible. If only slaughterhouses had glass walls. I also think we have a responsibility and should make the least harmful choice when it is our companion animals that we make choices for. I don't think the answer is clearly the same in terms of wild predators, also because those animals arguably have much better welfare standards (freedom(!), ability to move, fresh air etc.).

[@NoelleObcarskas]

this comment is the only one I see that addresses the issue of EQUALITY OF LIFE ...those talking or writing about feeding their pet dogs or cats other animals NEVER mention HOW MANY LIVES they are deciding to take to keep the ONE that is a PET life. The other thing never mentioned is...IF there were no more slaughter houses due to humans being all vegan...WHAT WOULD THESE NON VEGAN CAT AND DOGS owners expect then ? to have special slaughter houses just to feed their pets ? Seems to me...the last point I will make...that this argument of ...oh well slaughter houses exist so lets buy the deaths of those animals to feed my 1 pet dog or cat...could be used to argue in favour of continuing as humans to keep eating animals on the grounds of well they are killed so let's eat them !

[@JavierRodriguez-dg4bw]

I say kill the animals to feed my cats. It's what would happen in nature. Just the cat would have to work harder for it. But cats in nature kill more than 50 animals per year. I feel no sympathy for the chickens killed to feeding my cats.

[@fayettevillain1171]

I got chewed out on /r/vegan and was told that I'm fake, because I feed my cats meat!

[@c140075]

I love that you have black cats! So many people pass up the black kitties in the shelter.

[@c140075]

You know what your right. My dog came from the shelter and my primary concern was looking at personality. I didn't care about age, color species or breed. He just so happens to be black. He's the best dog I've ever had because I like his personality. And his beautiful black coat is bonus! No other color shines like a healthy black.

[@roberts2080]

+c140075 Black cats are the best and so are Pit bulls, the 2 most unloved! My black cat is snuggled under my blanket!

[@rainbowbright5708]

i was getting ready to unsubscribe from your channel assuming you would promote forcing a vegan diet on cats. i am so glad i watched your videos. cats are obligate carnivores and require meat. being vegan is a fine and wonderful thing for those who live that way but when you force an animal to eat unnaturally your as bad as a person who forces a chicken to eat newspaper to save on feed. so i am very glad to hear you feed your cats meats. its natural and what our good mama nature wanted when she made our kitties. also be aware that alot of felines are allergic to seafoods even though they love. on a happy note your kitties are beautiful and obviously well loved. my budgie's name is charlie and everytime you said his name he chirped lol.

[@rainbowbright5708]

:-)

[@WiseAlliOwl]

Let's be honest, even if someone is to feed their cats on a vegan diet, they will still go outdoors and hunt. That's what cats do!

[@biohazard2treepercs]

WiseAlliOwl Vegans love to overlook this fact though, same about dogs. They really think when they let their cat or dog outside they are not going to hunt and eat meat? Lol

[@ChanceGrant]

+Biohazard Ahead It's not like they can control that though. Doing as much as practical and possible is the definition of veganism, not going 100% vegan and living in a tree.

[@JillSandwichXD]

+Biohazard Ahead big difference between letting an animal act out on their natural insticts and contributing to a billion dollar industry. i bet there isnt a vegan out there who oposes their cat hunting

[@jhsniegocki]

The most informed, nuanced, and helpful discussion of the possibility of feeding cats a vegan diet that I'm aware of can be found at vegancats.com/veganfaq.php The evidence shows that most female cats can be happily and healthily vegan or nearly vegan, if done properly, but that most male cats need some animal-based foods in their diet due to the danger of urinary tract infections. My female cat is doing well on a predominantly vegan diet and actually will choose her vegan kibble, the Benevo brand, over the non-vegan kibbles that I've offered her. If at all contemplating moving toward a vegan diet for your cat, I highly recommend a close reading of the FAQ section of the Vegan Cats website (at the link given above) prior to doing so. And for both dogs and cats, I highly recommend the discussion of vegan diets found in "Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats."

[@nash984954]

Cats and dogs should not be eating too much of human food scraps anyway. Ask a vet, not a Vegan unless the Veteriniarian is both. BNeing Vegan doesn't give any special knowledge about nutrition and foodstuffs, unless also a Nutrtionist, I had a nice old lady as a neighbor who did her best to care for stray cats, but was unable to afford commerical food so she gave them whay her diet that she coyuld afford, no meat, and several were blind due to no meat in the diet. I love rabbits, but they are not the same as a dog or cat. Feeding animals the diet their species requires is not unethical. Jains have some practitioners who wear the nose and mouth cover so they don't inadvertently suck in a bug, hence killing it. It's up to the individuals what they can endure of the cruelty in the animal food industry. CAFOs for example, and the veal and foie gras cruelty machine that caters to human tastes. Bullfighting is also cruel. I guide folks to places of slaughter designed by Temple Grandin. Without being raised for food they'd not be born. I say, give the animal a good life as close to natural worth losing, not one that if they knew how badly treated they were, they might commit suicide. Birthing sows whose movements are restricted, as is Veal calves, and immediate at birth the pigs are taken from the sow, and with natural sense of nurture of their species these sows must be suffering what humanas cannot know. They give birth and are soon inseminated at once, as their babies go to stations for humans to do their thing. What of the sow's mothering instinct, what does she feel births after births, never allowed to bond? Humans can be such aholes. And collecting of the premarin for menapausal ladies that is from mares forced to be pregnant and the premarin collected from the mare, and an unwanted foal, who was there only as a byproduct and there's while withholding water in order to concentrate the substance collected in the mare's urine, the mare stays thirsty same as veal calves but don't get me wrong,I'm sympathetic of female's later life stages they go through, but wonder what symptoms does the premarin address that apparently the conditions weren't known about that premarin dealt with what'd they do baack then? March 1,2017, I will be 8 years Vegan. No regrets. While not a huge meat eater before, dairy maybe raised cholesterol levels and I'd take statin drugs. but after one year as Vegan the blood test I took semi annually showed lowered cholesterol levels enough the statin drugs, Dr F said wasn't needed. Thanks for your cat diet offering. Peace

[@Vegan-friends]

Hi Colleen, we are also in the situation where we are not sure what and how to feed our cat. I don't want to force any diet but i am also very concerned of what the usual animal based cat/dog food contains (such as the 4D Animals, soap, rubber and other). Our cat doesn't eat raw meat at all (nor fish or chicken) She eats a lot of plants when we take her in the garden (such as grass and even some flowers), she enjoys also eating banana, chips, spinach, coconut and many other plant based foods, when we are consuming them. Maybe if she were to hunt, she would eat the pray, but being an indoor cat, as i mentioned, she is not interested at all in consuming raw or cooked meat, eggs or dairy. Since we went vegan the only animal foods we are buying is the dry cat food from royal canine. We would really want to get away completely from participating and investing in this industry but, i really don't know what would be the best solution in order to assure her health needs. At the same time, i strongly believe the dry food is crappy, and i want to avoid getting her sick because of it. If you have any advice or if someone else has helpful opinions, i would be grateful to hear them. Thank you :)

[@veronikabartosova3737]

is it really possible to feed dog a vegan diet without risking a health problems? i have a dog who is quite skinny and also a picky eater, so i am worried to feed her plant based diet. i was thinking i could introduce some vegan food together with her regular food and see if she likes it. would it work to feed 50% plant based and 50% meat (just to reduce the amount of regular dog food we buy)? btw thanks for your videos. you are amazing!

[@DruneKelly]

Most vegans hate my pets (and by extension the rescue I run) because that rabbit is their food. Like cats, snakes are absolute, obligate carnivores. Theres been a few attempts at feeding them a vegan diet. The longest lived one was a kingsnake that lasted less than a year before dying because its owner wouldn't take an expert handler's advice and was blinded by his ideology. I have a few problems with the whole vegan mindset but as long as people don't show up on my doorstep like jehova witnesses and try to push their ideology on me, the more power to you for doing what you beleve to be right. I do what I believe to be right and that is all anyone can do in this, imperfect world of imperfect intentions..

[@DeathxStrike18]

1. Don't force an unnatural diet on a carnivores animal such as a cat they don't have the biological facility's to break down the vegetables nutrients and lead to major health problems the only time they will eat a plant in the wild by choice is to remove somthing hurting their stoachs by forced vomiting. 2. dogs are fine with a vegan diet because they are closer to an omnivore but are still a carnivores and prefer a meat, but it's not wholy healthy as some plants are dangerous to dogs always check your garden and food source with known dog allergies. 3. You shouldn't force a unatural diet on an animal just because your a primary vegan or a carnivor diet type person, any animals weather a herbivore or carnivore will eat anything if it's the only source of food if it means they will survive, does not mean it's right, you don't want to be starved till you ate meat if your vegan would you? 4. When it comes to pet food if the 1st ingredient is corn meal or meat byproduct don't buy it, it's junk and is like buying a month old vegetables that are about to turn from the market and usually the unwanted parts of animals we wouldn't even eat. Blue Buffalo is a good brand and even has a vegan option. 5. just respect others choices for what they prefer to eat and your animals dietary needs, don't abuse the animal just because you don't agree with it eating meat, respecting another living creature doesn't mean you have to agree or even like what it eats but understand that it's healthier to give it what it needs even if it's meat, and your animal will thank you for it.

[@jennieb400]

Any suggestions of canned cat food brands where fish are as ethically harvested as possible (I know that is an oxymoron). In feeding my carnivorous cat I would at least like to support cat food businesses that cause the least oppression and cruelty as possible to both the fish that are caught and to those that are doing the catching (as in no use of slave labor on boats). Thanks

[@AftonHH]

I love this video, Colleen. I've shared it with many friends. Thank you for all the work you do. Very appreciative of you and your active voice. Cheers!

[@nullethosechoes]

"People love to hear good news about their bad habits."

[@1luvanimals]

Colleen, I loved your video. I meet you in NYC and you autographed your book "Vegans Daily Companion". I have never heard of "invitro (sp) meat". What is that? I became vegan after adopting my cats.My surviving 17 yo male is such a sweetie. I wish I could transition him to vegan but like you, since it is nearly impossible and dangerous, I'm not. I feel I have an obligation to him for the rest of his life. Afterwards, knowing what I know now, I think it is hypocritical to get another cat. It's like saying its okay to kill another animal to feed yours. I love cats but until they come up with a vegan way to feed them, I feel knowing what we know now, we are still supporting the horrific things that are done to animals so our cats can thrive.. Your thoughts?

[@Lotusblume.8]

The way I see it is that cats will eat animals outdoors if you let them go out or would be getting meat indoors if they were in a shelter or someone’s house. They will eat meat regardless of where they live. They can’t do it any other way. So I have to just try to do the least damage and stick to seafood. I know there is no solution and feel very sad for the sea life but I won’t give them factory farmed animals. 💔 But I also don’t think it’s right to let them sit and rot in some shelter and not get any love, when we’re here and can care for them and they’d still need to eat what they eat either way.

[@kirarasmom4274]

If you change the food slowly , but I don't think it is safe to feed them vegan food. If your cats was kittens, then maybe they can eat a vegan diet, but I think still you done a great choice feeding them raw meat.

[@kirarasmom4274]

Bathroom problems can happen with grain food to. Most of your commercial pet food has too much grains.

[@SAMMIsLIFE]

Im SO glad ur a vegan who DOESNT feed ur cats a vegan diet. Im vegetarian but my animals are on a raw diet for their health, theyre my #1 priority so they must be healthy.

[@meow9426]

I found that most dogs actually thrive best on a diet of salmon and whole fruits and veggies. The facts that she said "Im not a vet" but them goes on to say that any veterinarian that disagrees with her is wrong is a bit funny. Cats do best on a diet of 90% raw meats and about 10% veggies (squash, pumpkin -- they are naturally drawn to veggies in that family -- also, fine snipped grass is a great source of vitamins!!)

[@bobbiebird2175]

Hi, this is a very interesting video for me. I have both dogs and cats. I have a cat who had crystals. He had to have surgery to save his life. The feeding of my guys bothers me because I still feed them fish and some meat. I want to go to the vegan diet with them but both cats are over ten. I guess I will research this some more and decide. I may not choose a cat again once my cats pass on. I think about this a lot. I am glad to hear another educated view point on this. Thank you.

[@osoniye4209]

Yes It seems not vegan to keep cats. Interested to hear what you have to say on that topic.

[@chrisplantstrongbrown5585]

Ur one beautiful vegan! Love your hair.

[@3echelon3]

Colleen, thank you so much for your logical and thoughtful insights into this ethical gray area in veganism. There's no obvious answer to this problem (unlike with humans, where the obvious solution is "don't eat animal products"). Ultimately, you convinced me that doing what's healthy for the cat is of utmost importance if you choose to adopt. Thanks again for making such rational arguments on this tricky subject. Peace.

[@kirarasmom4274]

reason meat is bad for us , because we cook it. Dogs cousin is wolves , and they eat meat.

[@leedianar]

But cats they chase birds and mices any way, so they don't stop eating meat.

[@giuliana444]

I love you! You + the way you deliver your information, makes KZbin a better place for us Vegans (New Human Evolution). Respectfully Your - New Subscriber!

[@functionoflightone]

Thank you for the info. Your suggestions tally with what my vet has told me. And I very much appreciate your comment that the we make the best choices we can in an imperfect world.

[@jessicadrawsthings]

Thank you for this video! I recently went vegan after being vegetarian for about 14 years and have been trying to find information on this topic. I want the best for my dog and cat. Do you have recommendations for vegan dog foods? Thanks again!

[@Greenguy60]

I love this video! People need to realize that cats are naturally carnivores. Changing that could be fatal.

[@rodewest7]

what an informative video of your personal account, you are very well spoken. x

[@Julietjeske]

I haven't eaten meat in 26 years however my two cats eat a 100% raw all meat diet. My cats are both seniors and were having difficulty with commercial cat food. Now I know 100% what's going in their bodies and they are both doing amazing.

[@ComplicatedInvisibility]

Juliet Jeske Where/how do you buy raw meat for your cats?

[@NoelleObcarskas]

lol you kill more animals than a flexitarian...my healthy vegan cat is just fine.

[@behindscenes6263]

U should feed raw plants unprocessed

[@AoibheannDoyle-SoulTherapist]

Excellent information Colleen. Blessings from Ireland! X

[@nullethosechoes]

Reality and being honest with yourself gets in the way of being a joyful vegan and having cats.

[@nullethosechoes]

The options are: you choose either hundreds of animals being abused, or you try to veganize the cat, or you go to the vet, put the cat to sleep, and stop being selfish. It's a no-brainer what is best for the animals...

[@rae9881]

Thanks for the video! Really good insight!

[@arty8703]

as someone who loves animals and plans to be vegan later on (im underage with parents who eat meat and force it) im not ever gonna force animals who mostly eat meat not to eat it at all...if it's natural for them i'm not gonna force them, i'd try to add some vegetables but not just vegetables as a person who loves animals, that would be an animal torture so i refuse to do that and vegans who force their dogs and cats right away on that are no better than slaughterhouses

[@NoelleObcarskas]

lol "forcing" is hardly the word to use. No one is force feeding intraveneously or otherwise their pet dogs and cats. they put food in their unnatural plates and the pets eat.

[@FitnFruityCanuk]

I just pts my sweet 18 year old kitty last fall. I miss her a lot, and would love to adopt another one... but given that they are carnivores I just can't do it., and that makes me sad. Colleen, do you think you will have another cat in your life once the time comes?

[@vulpix3436]

Omg just don't, what you said was shallow.

[@Misskittykama]

Thank you very much for this video, I appreciate very much your point of view and your way to express it. It certainly helping me for the future. You are great and your videos are very beautiful ! Xx

[@joyfulvegan]

Thank you so much, Silvia! I'm so glad!

[@k.g.7416]

Just don't have pets, it's not really that ethical anyways. I used to know someone who fed their cats vegan diets, I always thought it was a bit shitty to risk the cats health like that.

[@reneerenee1783]

It is ethical to adopt. They need homes

[@andypeluche96]

I also love black and white cats 😊

[@stephanielundberg-johnson1452]

Colleen you are a sweet and loving lady!

[@karolbreljak2321]

Someone give a trophy to this woman

[@lorenaaleman7914]

in vitro meat needs to come sooner!

[@bvegannow1936]

get vege cat pH

[@WackoMac]

My cat will eat grass everytime he goes out side. So much for being a carnivore.

[@rachelamber8311]

Hmm... I think it is not only about the health of the cats, because how can you say your cat is worth more than the animal that gets killed? You want that the cat can eat what they might have to eat but you dont care about the other animals. I'm sorry I don't know exactly which animals cats eat but If you support the slaughter of pigs for example it is not ethicaly right. Some people have a pig as a pet. If every human and dog would be vegan but some people would want to have a cat the humans still had to kill animals by there own choice and with there own hands. (If the cat could catch and kill animals by herself outside, it would be natural, but I think that is just impossible). I hope my english is good enough :)

[@geokat7750]

kim pricefield It's not unnatural for cats to kill their own food??? Ever had a cat before? Ever let it outside? It will find something to kill. And it will leave it at your front door before eating it because it will be proud.

[@Ticklicous]

Oh my gosh, thank you for being a smart vegan! While yes, dogs can survive on vegan diets it's the fact one needs to be VERY careful when doing so as there is way to much room for error when feeding a dog vegan. Otherwise yes, they can scientifically live off of vegan diets. But also as for cats, no, it actually is not good for them. The "tales" are probably lies or something. Although I am glad you understand cats should not be forced to eat a vegan diet. As a pet owner and one who is strict on welfare for animals, I always do my best to choose the optimal care for a pet. Although also, cats scientifically are shown to be healthiest on raw diets (being fed raw meat), this being due to them being obligate carnivores (as you had stated they are). Also regarding your cat who was going through that issue that was supposedly hormonal, I can say that definitely isn't likely due to a vegan diet. As from what I know of, a vegan diet doesn't affect hormones in a cat.

[@Jay-cy4js]

So many cats are euthanised in shelters . Why are you telling people not to adopt a cat ? I love rabbits and for it ! But what about cats ?

[@joyfulvegan]

??

[@nullethosechoes]

Euthanasia is not that bad.

[@wmfife1]

Dogs and cats came to us in vastly different ways. Dogs' ancestors, wolves, were hunting companions down through the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, evolving into the earliest of the domestic varieties we know today. Humans and Canis familiaris are not only symbiotic species, they are an example of commensalism, meaning both benefit from the alliance. Basically, we feed and shelter them and they protect us. (My favorite example: show me the cat you would trust leading you across six lanes of busy rush-hour traffic while you were blindfolded. Dogs do this daily.) Cats on the other hand were deified by the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt, some buried with them as mummified companions. If they are your thing then so be it, but we have missed out IMO with regard to other equally-sentient species (classes orders and families actually) including monkeys and birds, especially the really intelligent ones like parrots and macaws which are almost 100% vegan along with almost all simian primates. Not that any or all wild primates would benefit by ending up in captivity; just saying there are other choices besides rats and rabbits if we want true companion animals that are already herbivores by birth (and which when in our care don't threaten other wildlife the way *ALL* cats do). In nature the prey always outnumber the predators hundreds to one, but with our help and the enormous breeding success of cats in particular those having gone feral those numbers are in real danger of being reversed, with the result being that of species extinction. Examples already exist of just that happening. We can do better. We really need to be thinking all this through and it isn't getting any earlier. Having said that, this is a great post the likes of which I don't see among any other vegan ones. I am sure both cat and dog keepers can find it useful.

[@caseyleidig4753]

I would be interested in what brand you use. My family recently took in a friend's cat whose diet is Friskies (dry and canned) - a brand which I've read horror stories about. Meanwhile, my parents feed our dog sweet potatoes and chicken. Would this be suitable for a cat? If not, I would like to find her a better canned food like you use.Thanks.

[@missquark_]

Thank you for this vid, it is important for people to understand cats have needs beyond what thew owner's personal feelings. It's nice when people cares about farm animals, but if it means to get your very own pets sick, to me it's an even worse animal abuse! Just like i'll never have a pet snake, piranna or lizard because they need foods i'm not comfortable giving (respectively live rats/fish/insects), if you are not comfortable giving meat to a cat, then please don't get a cat! To me the same applies to living room wolves but that's just me.

[@susankerkhoff1233]

That is great! I just saw one on TV that was humongous! I think it was just a professional pet and not really abused and I felt like I just don't know how BIG a rabbit can sometimes get. It was bigger than a cat. I feel like the cat people have to blend their vegetarian ingredients with whatever general store stuff they are working with and just let the cat meditate on it. The energy can make it difficult for them to understand what the vegetarian food will help it with - so talk to your pet about the other "animals" and/or reincarnation just like an 'observant' child. Our vetinarian recommended adding veggies to their diet (they had a diet pamphlet) if the cat is overweight. So it is still healthy diet food.o.o We might try adding black beans (cuz meat is "heavy" in the tummy) to the tuna and lettuce salad we are using. We went with tuna cuz it's a little more clean or real looking than pet food in a can or chicken that "we" bake in the oven and chop up so that we can tell how clean and "real" it is...it was all the stories about "meat by product" and "cancerous parts" that scared us. That is what we are using and I am uncomfortable about the meat, too. He does look healthier (and metaphysically energy-happy) and he does get 'fussy' now if we don't have it ready. So I feel like they will guide us. No need to "rush" too forcibly. Just play with it because it may be more about their health and their hearts. It's more lettuce than tuna ratio so we are proud of him. :) Totally just sharing and Merry Christmas from our guides and Omniessence!