Hybrid diets for cats?

[devolute]

I know this has been discussed to death, but I have some questions about cat food... I haven't been able to find any information from people who have fed their kitties on a combination diet of vegan and meat-based cat food. Is this a bad idea? I know cats are obligate carnivores, but does that mean they shouldn't be eating anything plant-based?

Comments

[devolute]

I've read that, but I wasn't sure since it came from a site selling vegan cat food as to whether or not is was a reputable source on how healthy it is (but so far I'm thinking it could be).

I know that adopting a cat is not the most vegan thing I could do. I'd rather not get into that discussion right now, though, since it's a very personal decision. I'm also asking on the part of my roommate, who is a vegetarian with a kitten to feed and would probably like to make his diet 'less bad'.

Anyway, thanks for your reply :) I'm considering a bunny, but worried about keeping one in my apartment with a cat in the household. I might do some more research, since I don't really know anything about how to care for them.

:)

[weeona]

I have veggie rats and I gotta say, rats are the best little critters.
There are surprising numbers of homeless ratties and they are so incredibly endearing.
More like little dogs than other small rodents.

I can't imagine not having a few for the rest of my days, even with their health issues (damn labs... all the companion rat strains come from the lab ancestors and the lab ratties are bred to be sick. Pisses me right off.) and short lives.

They are so loving.
And do very very well as vegans or vegetarians.
:)

Re: :)

[edgiko]

God I miss my litttle ratties. :( Stupid dorm life.

[ryansmithxvx]

least bad?

cheap brands include euthanized animals from shelters
organic/more expensive brands necessitate the killing of animals who wouldn't have died otherwise

so the least bad is neither

[dorisp]

So what should those of us who have cats who have been tried on vegan food and then a mix of 50/50 vegan food do?

Of course, the most humane thing to do would just be for all vegans to adopt vegan pets but yeah, hindsight is 20/20.

[ryansmithxvx]

it's not a popular response, but i believe this: what in us justifies sacrificing all these other animals in the slaughterhouse for this one cat? one vs. thousands? should we not be seeking to save the thousands, not the one?

[devolute]

I don't mean to stir up argument, but I do want to say that I think that the answer is that we're human, and we're not perfect. Theory is one thing, making actual choices is another. If I were given the choice between saving a family member or 10 strangers, I don't know what I would do. Their lives are objectively equal in value, but I'm not a perfect person

[lostvirtue]

I feed my cats pet promise.... http://www.petpromiseinc.com/ Our local co-op sells it and I've also seen it at other co-ops/natural food stores

They seem to the be the one brand I can find that doesn't factory farm and is all produced in the US.

I have two cats and I only spend about 16 bucks a month on cat food give or take... and I have also considered doing a half and half diet - and maybe I still will, but I've looked around and this seems to be the best "meat" brand and my cats really like it.

[ryansmithxvx]

so, since they don't factory farm their animals, there are more animals needing to be killed that wouldn't have already. just creating further demand in new areas for non-human death.

[lostvirtue]

I'm didn't comment here to argue about what I feed my cats, .... but - I don't believe a vegan diet is healthy for cats and unless I kill them they will be eating some other animal to stay healthy. If I let them outside, I am certain they will kill it themselves.

I'm not "creating" anything - I did not bring them into existence, both my cats are rescue.

I have never seen any long term studies on vegan cats and every single vet I've ever spoken with does not recommend a vegan/vegetarian diet.

[ryansmithxvx]

you don't believe it's healthy? well, i'm glad facts don't get in the way of what you believe!

[spirulinai]

kate beaton icon! zuh??

[devolute]

This is my favorite comic ever. I lol every time.

[lyras]

Urban Vegan just mentioned this issue in a post, saying she has successfully been feeding her cat a hybrid diet. She also links to an earlier post in which she asked whether pets "should" be vegan.

[devolute]

Thanks for the link, this is the kind of information I was looking for :)

[lyras]

You're welcome!